How to Sign "Very"
To sign 'very', make a fist with the dominant hand, leaving the index finger extended. Bring the hand up so the side of the index finger rests against the lower lip. Pull the hand out away from the face.
Examples Using "Very" in a Sentence
1
I am very tired.
Point to yourself, sign 'very' by pulling your extended index finger away from your lower lip, and then sign 'tired'. Be sure to drop your shoulders and use an exhausted facial expression.
2
That food is very good.
Sign 'food', then sign 'very' by moving your index finger straight out from your lip, followed by 'good'. Nodding your head while signing 'very' helps emphasize just how delicious it is.
3
She is very smart.
Point to the person you are talking about, sign 'very' starting at your lower lip, and then sign 'smart'. A bright, affirming facial expression will match the positive meaning of the sentence.
How to Sign "Very"
To sign 'very', make a fist with the dominant hand, leaving the index finger extended. Bring the hand up so the side of the index finger rests against the lower lip. Pull the hand out away from the face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign shares its visual roots with the ASL concepts for 'true', 'real', or 'sure'. The index finger moving directly outward from the mouth symbolizes words or truth coming straight from the speaker's lips. When used to mean 'very', it acts as an intensifier, essentially stating that the following adjective is 'truly' the case.
Signing Tips
To truly convey the concept of 'very', your facial expression is just as important as your hands. The movement of pulling your index finger away from your lower lip should be crisp and deliberate. Always pair this sign with an exaggerated facial expression that matches the adjective you are emphasizing.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is touching the chin or the nose instead of the lower lip. Make sure the side of your index finger starts specifically at the lower lip before pulling it straight out. Another mistake is signing this with a blank face, which causes the word to lose its intended impact.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Very" in a Sentence
1I am very tired.
Point to yourself, sign 'very' by pulling your extended index finger away from your lower lip, and then sign 'tired'. Be sure to drop your shoulders and use an exhausted facial expression.
2That food is very good.
Sign 'food', then sign 'very' by moving your index finger straight out from your lip, followed by 'good'. Nodding your head while signing 'very' helps emphasize just how delicious it is.
3She is very smart.
Point to the person you are talking about, sign 'very' starting at your lower lip, and then sign 'smart'. A bright, affirming facial expression will match the positive meaning of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just exaggerate the adjective instead of signing 'very'?
Yes! In ASL, it is actually very common to skip the sign for 'very' entirely. Instead, you can simply make the sign for the adjective bigger or stronger while using an intense facial expression. However, using the specific sign for 'very' is still perfectly correct and great for emphasis.
Does my finger need to physically touch my lip?
Yes, the sign begins with the side of your extended index finger resting gently against your lower lip. From that starting contact point, you pull the hand straight out and away from your face.
Is this the same sign as 'really' or 'true'?
Yes, it is! In ASL, the sign for 'very'—pulling the index finger away from the lower lip—is the exact same sign used for 'true', 'real', and 'really'. It acts as a general intensifier to show that something is absolutely the case.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!