Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "You Are The Best"

To sign "you are the best," you will combine the ASL signs for "you" and "best." First, point your index finger directly at the person you are talking to. Then, bring your dominant hand up near your chin with your fingers slightly open. Move your hand upward and outward, closing your fingers into a "thumbs up" handshape. Remember that ASL does not use English state-of-being words or articles like "are" or "the," so you are simply signing "YOU" followed by "BEST."

Examples Using "You Are The Best" in a Sentence

1

Thank you for helping me, you are the best!

Sign "thank you," "help," "me," and then finish with the sequence for "you are the best" (YOU BEST). Make sure to show genuine appreciation and enthusiasm on your face to match the compliment.

2

I love this gift, you are the best.

Sign "I," "love," "this," "gift," and then point to the person and sign "best." Your facial expressions should convey excitement and gratitude to emphasize how much you appreciate them.

3

You are the best teacher.

In ASL, you would structure this as "YOU TEACHER BEST." Point to the person, sign "teacher," and then use the upward thumbs-up motion for "best" to show they are at the top of their field.

How to Sign "You Are The Best"
To sign "you are the best," you will combine the ASL signs for "you" and "best." First, point your index finger directly at the person you are talking to. Then, bring your dominant hand up near your chin with your fingers slightly open. Move your hand upward and outward, closing your fingers into a "thumbs up" handshape. Remember that ASL does not use English state-of-being words or articles like "are" or "the," so you are simply signing "YOU" followed by "BEST."
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase perfectly demonstrates ASL's efficiency by combining "YOU" and "BEST." The sign for "you" is a natural, universally understood pointing gesture. The sign for "best" is an exaggeration of the sign for "good" or "better." In ASL, moving a sign upward often indicates an increase in degree or rank. By starting at the chin and moving high up into a thumbs-up, you visually represent reaching the very top or highest level of goodness.
Signing Tips
When signing "you are the best," your facial expressions are just as important as your hands! Since this is a strong compliment, make sure to smile warmly and look directly at the person. For the "best" portion of the sign, ensure the upward motion is clear and deliberate. In ASL, moving a sign upward often represents things that are superior, positive, or of high quality.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is trying to sign every single English word, including "are" and "the." In ASL, those words are omitted, so you only need to sign "YOU" and "BEST." Another mistake is keeping the hand too low during the sign for "best." Make sure your hand moves clearly upward to emphasize the highest level of "good," rather than just stopping at "better."
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "You Are The Best" in a Sentence
1

Thank you for helping me, you are the best!

Sign "thank you," "help," "me," and then finish with the sequence for "you are the best" (YOU BEST). Make sure to show genuine appreciation and enthusiasm on your face to match the compliment.

2

I love this gift, you are the best.

Sign "I," "love," "this," "gift," and then point to the person and sign "best." Your facial expressions should convey excitement and gratitude to emphasize how much you appreciate them.

3

You are the best teacher.

In ASL, you would structure this as "YOU TEACHER BEST." Point to the person, sign "teacher," and then use the upward thumbs-up motion for "best" to show they are at the top of their field.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't I sign the words 'are' and 'the'?

ASL has its own distinct grammar and syntax that is completely separate from English. State-of-being verbs like 'are' and articles like 'the' are typically not used. Signing 'YOU BEST' perfectly and naturally conveys the entire meaning of the phrase.

Can I use two hands for the sign 'best'?

The sign for 'best' is traditionally a one-handed sign performed with your dominant hand. Using two hands is unnecessary and might look unnatural to fluent signers. Keep it simple and clear with just your dominant hand.

What is the difference between 'better' and 'best' in ASL?

Both signs start similarly near the chin and move outward into an 'A' or thumbs-up shape. However, 'best' involves a larger, higher upward movement to show it is the ultimate level, whereas 'better' moves slightly to the side or only a short distance up.

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