How to Sign "Want"
To make the sign want, take both hands in the bent 5 handshape or claw handshape, palms facing up. You want to pull your hands towards your, scrunching your fingers in.
Examples Using "Want" in a Sentence
1
I want an apple.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', then use both clawed hands, palms up, and pull them toward your chest for 'WANT'. Finish by signing 'APPLE'. Keep your facial expression neutral or positive.
2
Do you want water?
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'WANT' by pulling your bent 5 hands toward your body, and then sign 'WATER'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.
3
What do you want?
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'WANT' by pulling your clawed hands inward, and then sign 'WHAT'. Because this is a WH-question, you must furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly.
How to Sign "Want"
To make the sign want, take both hands in the bent 5 handshape or claw handshape, palms facing up. You want to pull your hands towards your, scrunching your fingers in.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'want' is highly iconic and visually motivated, meaning it looks exactly like the concept it represents. It mimics the physical, real-world action of seeing an object you desire, reaching out with both hands to grab it, and pulling it close to your body. The bent 5 or claw handshape perfectly illustrates the act of taking hold of something, while the inward pulling motion toward the chest reinforces the idea of bringing that desired object into your own possession.
Signing Tips
When signing 'want,' make sure your palms are facing up before you begin the pulling motion. Keep the movement centered around your chest area, reaching out slightly and then pulling back toward your torso. As you pull your hands in, your fingers should naturally scrunch closer together into a tighter claw shape. Remember to pair the sign with an appropriate facial expression—if you want something enthusiastically, let your face show that excitement to add clear context to your conversation.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is keeping their hands completely flat instead of using the required bent 5 or claw handshape. Another common error is pointing the palms downward or facing each other; remember that your palms must face up to start. Additionally, some learners pull their hands too far back, bringing them past their torso or up to their shoulders. Keep the movement natural and contained just in front of your chest, as if pulling a small object toward you.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Want" in a Sentence
1I want an apple.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', then use both clawed hands, palms up, and pull them toward your chest for 'WANT'. Finish by signing 'APPLE'. Keep your facial expression neutral or positive.
2Do you want water?
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'WANT' by pulling your bent 5 hands toward your body, and then sign 'WATER'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly.
3What do you want?
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'WANT' by pulling your clawed hands inward, and then sign 'WHAT'. Because this is a WH-question, you must furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use both hands for this sign?
Yes, 'want' is a two-handed sign. While you might occasionally see fluent signers use one hand in very casual, rapid conversation, beginners should always practice using both hands. Using both hands with the palms facing up and pulling inward ensures your sign is clear, accurate, and easily understood.
How is 'want' different from 'need'?
They are completely different signs. 'Want' uses both hands in a claw shape, palms up, pulling toward your chest. 'Need', on the other hand, uses a single hand in an 'X' handshape (a hooked index finger) that drops downward in a sharp, single motion.
Can I change the intensity of the sign if I want something really badly?
Absolutely! In ASL, you show intensity through your facial expressions and the speed or force of the sign. Pulling your hands toward you faster, gripping tighter, and using a strong, determined facial expression shows that you want something very badly.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!