How to Sign "With"

the sign with uses both hands. all the fingertips should be touching the palm, with the thumb resting against the side of the index finger to create the a shape. with both hands in front of the chest and their palms facing each other, bring the hands together until the knuckles meet.

Examples Using "With" in a Sentence

1

I am going with you.

To sign this sentence, start by pointing to yourself to indicate 'I', then sign 'GO'. Next, bring your 'A' handshapes together in front of your chest to sign 'WITH', and finish by pointing directly at the person you are speaking to for 'YOU'.

2

Do you want to come with me?

Begin by pointing to the person for 'YOU', then sign 'WANT' and 'COME'. Bring your 'A' handshapes together at the knuckles for 'WITH', and point to yourself for 'ME'. Remember to keep your eyebrows raised the entire time, as this indicates you are asking a yes/no question.

3

I like coffee with milk.

Start by pointing to yourself for 'I', then sign 'LIKE' and 'COFFEE'. Transition your hands into the 'A' handshapes and bring them together at the knuckles to sign 'WITH'. Finally, sign 'MILK' by squeezing your dominant hand into a fist.

How to Sign "With"
the sign with uses both hands. all the fingertips should be touching the palm, with the thumb resting against the side of the index finger to create the a shape. with both hands in front of the chest and their palms facing each other, bring the hands together until the knuckles meet.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'WITH' is highly iconic and visually intuitive. The two 'A' handshapes represent two distinct entities, ideas, or people. By bringing these two separate hands together so that they physically meet and touch in the center, the sign creates a clear visual metaphor for joining, accompanying, or being together in one place. It perfectly captures the core concept of unity and partnership.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for 'WITH', focus on keeping your 'A' handshapes relaxed but clearly formed. Ensure your palms are facing exactly toward each other so that when you bring them together, the flat parts of your curled fingers and knuckles align perfectly. The movement should be a single, deliberate press of the hands together in the center of your chest area. Keep your elbows comfortably at your sides to maintain a natural, conversational posture.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using 'S' handshapes—where the thumb wraps tightly across the front of the fingers—instead of the correct 'A' handshapes, where the thumb rests straight alongside the index finger. Another frequent error is clapping the palms together or letting the wrists touch. Remember, your palms should be facing each other, but it is the knuckles and the flat part of your curled fingers that actually meet in the middle.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "With" in a Sentence
1

I am going with you.

To sign this sentence, start by pointing to yourself to indicate 'I', then sign 'GO'. Next, bring your 'A' handshapes together in front of your chest to sign 'WITH', and finish by pointing directly at the person you are speaking to for 'YOU'.

2

Do you want to come with me?

Begin by pointing to the person for 'YOU', then sign 'WANT' and 'COME'. Bring your 'A' handshapes together at the knuckles for 'WITH', and point to yourself for 'ME'. Remember to keep your eyebrows raised the entire time, as this indicates you are asking a yes/no question.

3

I like coffee with milk.

Start by pointing to yourself for 'I', then sign 'LIKE' and 'COFFEE'. Transition your hands into the 'A' handshapes and bring them together at the knuckles to sign 'WITH'. Finally, sign 'MILK' by squeezing your dominant hand into a fist.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand moves?

For the sign 'WITH', both hands should move simultaneously toward each other. They meet in the middle in front of your chest. Avoid keeping one hand stationary while the other moves; both hands act as equal partners in this sign to show two things coming together.

What is the difference between 'WITH' and 'TOGETHER'?

Both signs use the exact same 'A' handshapes meeting at the knuckles. However, 'WITH' is just the simple, single action of bringing the hands together. To sign 'TOGETHER', you bring the hands together and then move them in a sweeping horizontal circle while keeping them connected.

Can I use this sign to mean 'using a tool' (like 'cut with a knife')?

Usually, no. In ASL, the sign 'WITH' is primarily used for accompaniment, like being alongside someone or including an item. If you want to say you are doing something 'with' a tool, you would typically use the sign for 'USE' instead.

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