How to sign why in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 2)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with your middle finger touching the side of your forehead. Then, move your hand down and slightly away from yourself while curling in your middle finger.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of why

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of why

End of Sign

Final Frame of why

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for why
Extend all fingers to show the number five, spreading them out.
Dominant Handshape for why
Extend all fingers and spread them out, with the middle finger slightly extended forward.

Sign #2 (2 of 2)

Definition:

Reason or disbelief expression

Sign Instructions:

Begin with your hand next to the side of your forehead with your middle finger pointing at your head and your palm oriented toward yourself. Then, bend down your middle finger a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of why

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of why

End of Sign

Final Frame of why

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for why
Extend all fingers to show the number five, spreading them out.
Dominant Handshape for why
Extend all fingers and spread them out, with the middle finger slightly extended forward.

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