How to sign lead in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Clasp onto the fingertips of your non-dominant hand with the fingers of your dominant hand and pull your non-dominant hand forward a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of lead

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of lead

End of Sign

Final Frame of lead

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for lead
Make a fist with all fingers curled in and the thumb pressed against the index finger.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for lead
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

Sign #2 (2 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Clasp onto the fingertips of your non-dominant hand with the fingers of your dominant hand and pull your non-dominant hand forward.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of lead

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of lead

End of Sign

Final Frame of lead

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for lead
Make a fist with all fingers curled in and the thumb pressed against the index finger.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for lead
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

Sign #3 (3 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

With the thumb and middle fingers of your dominant hand grab onto the middle finger of your non-dominant hand and pull your non-dominant hand forward.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of lead

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of lead

End of Sign

Final Frame of lead

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for lead
Touch the tips of your thumb and middle finger together, while extending the other fingers.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for lead
Extend all fingers to show the number five, spreading them out.

About the Creator

Paul Kelly, a nationally certified sign language interpreter and the founder of strongasl.com, has dedicated his career to bridging communication gaps through sign language. As a CODA (child of deaf adult), with deep personal and professional roots in the deaf community, Paul brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to his work.

His experiences range from legal to entertainment interpreting, including teaching sign language to celebrities like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. His passion for innovation is evident in the AI-driven features of this dictionary, aiming to make sign language more accessible for all.

Learn More About This Site