How to sign
Y in ASL
The letter Y extends the thumb and pinky with the middle three fingers folded down, the 'hang loose' shape.
- Single sign
- One hand
- Handshape: Y hand
- Shoulder height, palm out
- Alphabet
How to sign y
- 1
Fold the index, middle, and ring fingers down.
- 2
Extend the thumb and pinky.
- 3
Palm out. Shake it and it becomes the base of YELLOW and several other signs.
Common mistakes
- Extending the index finger too. That's the ILY (I love you) handshape.
Questions about “Y”
Yes. This clip shows the common ASL sign for y. Like spoken languages, ASL has regional variation, so you may see small differences from signer to signer.
Guide
ASL Alphabet
Learn all 26 letters of the American Sign Language alphabet with real video for every handshape, the letters beginners mix up, and how to fingerspell your name smoothly.
From the blog
ASL vs BSL: Why American and British Sign Language Are Different Languages
They share almost no signs, use different alphabets, and come from different histories. What that means if you are choosing which to learn.