How to Sign "Which"

Both hands form on "A" hand shape. Each hand moves in a small up-and-down motion from the elbow in alternating motion. As one hand goes up the other one goes down and vice versa to indicate which option would be superior. Generally, eyebrows would be furrowed down indicate a question.

Examples Using "Which" in a Sentence

1

Which color do you like?

Sign 'COLOR', then 'YOU', then 'LIKE', and finish with 'WHICH'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows down at the end to clearly show you are asking a question.

2

Which movie should we watch?

Sign 'MOVIE', 'WE', 'WATCH', and then 'WHICH'. Keep your 'A' hands alternating up and down from the elbows while holding that furrowed eyebrow expression.

3

I don't know which one to choose.

Sign 'I', 'DON'T-KNOW', and then 'WHICH'. Since this is a statement rather than a direct question, your eyebrows can remain relaxed and neutral instead of furrowed.

How to Sign "Which"
Both hands form on "A" hand shape. Each hand moves in a small up-and-down motion from the elbow in alternating motion. As one hand goes up the other one goes down and vice versa to indicate which option would be superior. Generally, eyebrows would be furrowed down indicate a question.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'which' visually represents the act of weighing two different options on a physical scale. The alternating up-and-down motion of your 'A' hands mimics the balancing plates of a traditional scale, perfectly capturing the concept of comparing two choices to see which one is better.
Signing Tips
Keep your 'A' handshapes relaxed but clear, with your thumbs resting against the side of your index fingers. The movement should come from your elbows, not your wrists, creating a smooth, alternating see-saw motion. Don't forget the facial expression! Since 'which' is usually a WH-question, furrowing your eyebrows is essential for conveying the right grammar.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands up and down at the exact same time, rather than alternating them. Remember, the sign represents weighing two different options, so as one hand rises, the other must fall. Another frequent error is forgetting to furrow the eyebrows, which can confuse the person you are signing with.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Which" in a Sentence
1

Which color do you like?

Sign 'COLOR', then 'YOU', then 'LIKE', and finish with 'WHICH'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows down at the end to clearly show you are asking a question.

2

Which movie should we watch?

Sign 'MOVIE', 'WE', 'WATCH', and then 'WHICH'. Keep your 'A' hands alternating up and down from the elbows while holding that furrowed eyebrow expression.

3

I don't know which one to choose.

Sign 'I', 'DON'T-KNOW', and then 'WHICH'. Since this is a statement rather than a direct question, your eyebrows can remain relaxed and neutral instead of furrowed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to furrow my eyebrows every time I sign 'which'?

If you are asking a direct question, like 'Which one do you want?', yes, you must furrow your eyebrows because it is a WH-question. However, if you are making a statement, like 'I don't know which to pick', your eyebrows can stay neutral.

Should the movement come from my wrists or my elbows?

The movement should come from your elbows. Keep your wrists relatively straight and firm while your forearms pivot up and down, mimicking the sturdy arms of a balancing scale.

How many times should I alternate my hands?

Typically, you only need to alternate the hands two or three times. A quick, fluid up-and-down motion is enough to clearly communicate the sign without overdoing it.

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