How to sign
Why in ASL
Why touches the fingertips to the forehead and pulls away into a Y handshape, with lowered eyebrows. Think of pulling the question out of your head.
- Single sign
- One hand
- Handshape: Open hand closing to a Y
- Forehead, moving outward
- Question Words
How to sign why
- 1
Touch the fingertips of an open hand to the side of your forehead.
- 2
Pull the hand away and down a few inches as the middle three fingers close, leaving a Y (thumb and pinky out).
- 3
Eyebrows down. You can wiggle the Y slightly for emphasis.
Common mistakes
- Starting with a Y already formed. The hand starts open at the forehead and becomes a Y as it moves.
Use it in a sentence
English sentences you can sign with Why. In ASL the word order can shift and filler words drop away.
- “Why are you laughing?”
Questions about “Why”
Yes. This clip shows the common ASL sign for why. Like spoken languages, ASL has regional variation, so you may see small differences from signer to signer.
Guide
Question Words
The six WH-question signs, where they go in an ASL sentence, and the eyebrow rule that makes a question a question. Video for each sign and full question phrases.
From the blog
Facial Expressions in ASL Are Grammar, Not Decoration
Eyebrows ask questions, a head shake negates, mouth shapes change size and intensity. The non-manual markers every beginner needs and how to practice them.