How to Sign "Way"

To sign “Way” two hands up front of you into the flat handshapes or letter “B”. One palm toward to another palm like facing to each other. Then Moving both hands toward to another person front of you. Make your sign look like a path, street, or road.

Examples Using "Way" in a Sentence

1

Which way should we go?

Sign 'WHICH', then use the flat 'B' hands facing each other and move them forward to sign 'WAY', followed by 'GO'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end to show it is a 'wh-' question.

2

The store is this way.

Point in the general direction of the store, then sign 'WAY' by moving your parallel flat hands forward in that same direction to visually indicate the path to take.

3

Get out of the way!

Sign 'WAY' with your palms facing each other moving forward, then use a sweeping gesture to indicate moving aside. Make sure to use an urgent, firm facial expression to match the tone of the sentence.

How to Sign "Way"
To sign “Way” two hands up front of you into the flat handshapes or letter “B”. One palm toward to another palm like facing to each other. Then Moving both hands toward to another person front of you. Make your sign look like a path, street, or road.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visual. The two flat hands facing each other represent the parallel sides, curbs, or borders of a physical path, street, or road. Moving them forward visually traces the length of that path extending out in front of you.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands parallel and maintain an equal distance between them as you move them forward. This helps clearly define the 'borders' of the path you are visually creating. You can also adjust the direction of the movement to show specifically which way someone should go.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is letting the hands drift apart or collapse inward as they move forward. Keep the space between your palms consistent to clearly show the edges of the path. Also, avoid using curved hands; keep your fingers straight and together.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Way" in a Sentence
1

Which way should we go?

Sign 'WHICH', then use the flat 'B' hands facing each other and move them forward to sign 'WAY', followed by 'GO'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end to show it is a 'wh-' question.

2

The store is this way.

Point in the general direction of the store, then sign 'WAY' by moving your parallel flat hands forward in that same direction to visually indicate the path to take.

3

Get out of the way!

Sign 'WAY' with your palms facing each other moving forward, then use a sweeping gesture to indicate moving aside. Make sure to use an urgent, firm facial expression to match the tone of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for 'street' or 'road'?

Yes! In ASL, this exact same sign is commonly used to mean 'way', 'street', 'road', or 'path'. The context of your sentence will let the other person know exactly which concept you mean.

Do I always move my hands straight forward?

Usually, yes. However, ASL is a spatial language. If you are telling someone to go a specific way, like taking a winding path or turning right, you can move your parallel hands in that specific direction to show the actual route.

Should my thumbs be tucked in or sticking out?

For a standard flat handshape or 'B' handshape, your thumbs can rest naturally alongside your index fingers or be slightly tucked across your palm. Just make sure your four main fingers are straight and held closely together.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!