How to Sign "What's Wrong"

To signing a phrase “What’s wrong?” Using your dominant hand into “Y” handshape and placing the fingers on your chin a couple of times similar to sign “wrong”. Your eyebrows would be lower when you asking “what’s wrong” You could add one or both hands for signing “what” in an opening flat handshape.

Examples Using "What's Wrong" in a Sentence

1

You look upset, what's wrong?

Sign 'you', 'look', and 'upset', then transition into the 'Y' handshape tapping your chin twice while deeply furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.

2

What's wrong with the car?

Sign 'car', then use your dominant 'Y' hand on your chin with lowered eyebrows to ask what is wrong with it. You can add the open flat hands for 'what' for emphasis.

3

Please tell me what's wrong.

Sign 'please' and 'tell-me', then sign 'what's wrong' by tapping your chin with the 'Y' handshape, making sure to keep your eyebrows lowered to indicate the inquiry.

How to Sign "What's Wrong"
To signing a phrase “What’s wrong?” Using your dominant hand into “Y” handshape and placing the fingers on your chin a couple of times similar to sign “wrong”. Your eyebrows would be lower when you asking “what’s wrong” You could add one or both hands for signing “what” in an opening flat handshape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The phrase 'what's wrong' utilizes the standard ASL sign for 'wrong'. The 'Y' handshape tapping the chin visually represents a mistake, error, or something amiss. By combining this base sign with the universal ASL non-manual marker for 'Wh-' questions—specifically the furrowed eyebrows—the meaning seamlessly shifts from a simple statement of 'incorrect' to an inquiry about what is bothering someone.
Signing Tips
To sign 'what's wrong' naturally, focus heavily on your facial expressions. Since this is a 'Wh-' question, your eyebrows must be furrowed (lowered) to convey the interrogative tone. Make sure your 'Y' handshape is clear, with the thumb and pinky fully extended, and tap your chin gently but deliberately. If you want to emphasize the question, add the open flat hands for 'what' at the end.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting to lower the eyebrows. Without the furrowed brow, the sign just means 'wrong' rather than asking the question 'what's wrong?'. Another frequent error is using a loose handshape or tapping the cheek instead of the chin. Ensure you are using a crisp 'Y' handshape and making contact directly on your chin.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "What's Wrong" in a Sentence
1

You look upset, what's wrong?

Sign 'you', 'look', and 'upset', then transition into the 'Y' handshape tapping your chin twice while deeply furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.

2

What's wrong with the car?

Sign 'car', then use your dominant 'Y' hand on your chin with lowered eyebrows to ask what is wrong with it. You can add the open flat hands for 'what' for emphasis.

3

Please tell me what's wrong.

Sign 'please' and 'tell-me', then sign 'what's wrong' by tapping your chin with the 'Y' handshape, making sure to keep your eyebrows lowered to indicate the inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign the word 'what' first?

No, you don't have to! In ASL, simply signing 'wrong' while lowering your eyebrows automatically translates to 'what's wrong?'. However, you can optionally add the open flat hands for 'what' if you want to add emphasis.

Why do my eyebrows need to be lowered?

In ASL, facial expressions act as grammar. Lowered or furrowed eyebrows are the grammatical marker for 'Wh-' questions, which include who, what, where, when, why, and how. Lowering them changes the statement 'wrong' into a question.

How many times should I tap my chin?

A couple of quick, gentle taps is perfect. Tapping twice is standard for this phrase, but the most important part of the sign is pairing that 'Y' handshape motion with the correct furrowed eyebrow expression.

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