How to sign
Can in ASL
Can (able to) drops two fists downward at the same time, once, firmly.
- Single sign
- Two hands
- Handshape: S fists or A hands
- In front of body
- Big Ideas
How to sign can
- 1
Hold two fists in front of you.
- 2
Drop them down together a few inches, firmly.
- 3
With a head shake it means CAN'T; CANNOT also has its own sign.
Common mistakes
- Alternating the fists. They move together.
Questions about “Can”
Yes. This clip shows the common ASL sign for can. Like spoken languages, ASL has regional variation, so you may see small differences from signer to signer.
Guide
Basic Phrases
The first phrases you actually use in a signed conversation: introductions, asking for help, saying you are learning, and keeping things polite. Real video for each one.
From the blog
The First 50 ASL Signs to Learn (and Why These 50)
A teacher-picked starter vocabulary: greetings, replies, pronouns, question words, and feelings that let you hold a real first conversation. Every sign on video.