How to Sign "W"
To sign the letter 'W', hold your dominant hand up with your palm facing forward. Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers straight up and spread them apart. Tuck your pinky finger down and use your thumb to hold it in place.
Examples Using "W" in a Sentence
1
My name is Will.
When fingerspelling a name like 'Will', you will start with the 'W' handshape. Hold the 'W' clearly and steadily before transitioning smoothly into the letter 'I'.
2
I need to buy a new VW.
When spelling acronyms or abbreviations like 'VW' (Volkswagen), form the 'V' handshape, then smoothly transition into the 'W' handshape by simply extending your ring finger.
3
The word starts with a W.
If you are talking about the letter itself, simply hold up the 'W' handshape with your palm facing outward to clearly show the letter you are referencing.
How to Sign "W"
To sign the letter 'W', hold your dominant hand up with your palm facing forward. Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers straight up and spread them apart. Tuck your pinky finger down and use your thumb to hold it in place.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'W' is highly iconic. The three extended fingers (index, middle, and ring) spread apart visually mimic the three upward points of the written English letter 'W'.
Signing Tips
Make sure your three extended fingers are spread apart clearly, which helps the handshape resemble the written letter 'W'. Keep your hand relaxed but firm, and ensure your palm is facing directly outward toward the person reading your sign.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is confusing the letter 'W' with the ASL number '6'. For 'W', your thumb folds over to hold down your pinky finger. For the number '6', the tip of your pinky touches the tip of your thumb. Beginners also sometimes confuse 'W' with the number '3', which actually uses the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "W" in a Sentence
1My name is Will.
When fingerspelling a name like 'Will', you will start with the 'W' handshape. Hold the 'W' clearly and steadily before transitioning smoothly into the letter 'I'.
2I need to buy a new VW.
When spelling acronyms or abbreviations like 'VW' (Volkswagen), form the 'V' handshape, then smoothly transition into the 'W' handshape by simply extending your ring finger.
3The word starts with a W.
If you are talking about the letter itself, simply hold up the 'W' handshape with your palm facing outward to clearly show the letter you are referencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'W' look so much like the number 6?
They share a similar handshape with three fingers pointing up, but the thumb placement is the key difference. In 'W', the thumb crosses over the palm to hold the pinky down. In '6', the thumb and pinky tips tap together.
Is the letter 'W' the same as the number 3 in ASL?
No, they are completely different! In ASL, the letter 'W' uses your index, middle, and ring fingers. The number '3' uses your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Should my fingers be tightly together or spread apart?
Your index, middle, and ring fingers should be comfortably spread apart. This spreading creates the distinct 'W' shape, making it much easier for the person reading your fingerspelling to recognize the letter.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!