Learning the ASL Alphabet
Introduction to the ASL Alphabet
The American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet is a fundamental component of ASL communication. It's used for spelling out names, places, or words that don't have a specific sign. Learning the ASL alphabet is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in ASL.
Key Characteristics:
- Letters are signed using one hand, typically the dominant hand
- Letters should be signed in a neutral area in front of your chest or shoulder
- Most letter signs visually resemble their written counterparts, though some are more abstract
- Most letters are static signs held for a brief moment, with the exceptions of 'J' and 'Z', which involve movement
Comparison with Other Sign Languages
It's important to note that sign language alphabets are not universal:
- British Sign Language (BSL) uses two hands for its alphabet and is completely different from ASL
- ASL was derived from French Sign Language, which is why it differs from BSL
Memory Aids for ASL Alphabet
To help you learn and remember the ASL alphabet more easily, we've provided memory aids for most of the letters. These aids overlay the English written letter on the ASL hand sign, serving as a visual connection between the written letter and its corresponding sign.
Please note:
- Some images may be flipped to create a better visual connection.
- The degree of similarity between the hand sign and the English letter varies.
- These memory aids are meant to assist in learning and are not part of official ASL instruction.
- Four letters (F, X, J, and Z) do not have specific memory aid images due to their unique characteristics.
The ASL Alphabet
Let's go through each letter of the alphabet:
A
Make a fist with your thumb against the side of your index finger.
Memory Aid
The thumb pressed against the fist resembles the letter A.
B
Hold your hand open with fingers together, palm facing outward, and thumb folded across the palm.
Memory Aid
The straight fingers and curved thumb resemble the letter B.
C
Curl your fingers to form a 'C'. Your index through pinky fingers should be pressed against each other.
Memory Aid
The hand naturally forms the curve of the letter C.
D
Point your index finger up, while curling your other fingers into a circle.
Memory Aid
The extended index finger and curved thumb form the shape of a D.
E
Curl your index through pinky fingers down and curl your thumb in towards your palm.
Memory Aid
The curled fingers resemble the shape of the letter E.
F
Touch your thumb and index finger together, forming a circle, with the other three fingers extended.
Memory Aid
No memory aid available for this letter.
G
Curl your middle through pinky fingers in. Extend your thumb and index fingers in the same direction while keeping them slightly apart.
Memory Aid
The thumb and index finger resemble the shape of the letter G.
H
Extend your index and middle fingers straight, keeping them together, with your thumb tucked in and other fingers curled.
Memory Aid
The two extended fingers form a horizontal line in the letter H.
I
Extend your pinky finger while curling in the rest of your fingers.
Memory Aid
The extended pinky resembles the simple vertical line of the letter I.
J
Make the same sign as 'I', but move your pinky in a small 'J' shape.
Memory Aid
The letter J is drawn in the air with your pinky.
K
Extend your index and middle fingers in a V-shape, with your thumb in between them.
Memory Aid
The extended fingers and thumb form the shape of the letter K.
L
Extend your thumb and index finger to form an 'L' shape, with the other fingers curled in.
Memory Aid
The thumb and index finger naturally form the shape of the letter L.
M
Tuck your thumb under your palm, touching it to the base of your pinky finger, with the other three fingers closed over it.
Memory Aid
The three fingers form the three points of the letter M.
N
Place your thumb under your index and middle fingers, pressing it against your palm.
Memory Aid
The two extended fingers resemble the two points of the letter N.
O
Make an 'O' shape with all your fingers curved together.
Memory Aid
The hand naturally forms the circular shape of the letter O.
P
Similar to 'K', but with your hand facing downwards.
Memory Aid
The shape is the same as K, but the orientation makes it a P.
Q
Similar to 'G', but with your hand facing downwards.
Memory Aid
The shape is the same as G, but the orientation makes it a Q.
R
With your index and middle fingers extended, cross your middle finger behind your index finger.
Memory Aid
The crossed fingers form the shape of the letter R.
S
Make a fist with your thumb crossing over your fingers.
Memory Aid
The curved thumb over the fist resembles the curve of the letter S.
T
Tuck your thumb under your index finger, against your palm, with the other fingers closed over it.
Memory Aid
The thumb looks like the vertical stroke in the letter T.
U
Extend your index and middle fingers while keeping them together, and curl your other fingers.
Memory Aid
The two extended fingers form the U shape.
V
Extend your index and middle fingers in a V-shape, with your other fingers curled in.
Memory Aid
The extended fingers naturally form the letter V.
W
Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers, keeping them spread apart, while the other fingers are curled in.
Memory Aid
The three extended fingers form the three points of the letter W.
X
Extend your index finger and hook it at the middle joint, curling in your other fingers.
Memory Aid
No memory aid available for this letter.
Y
Extend your thumb and pinky finger, while curling in the other fingers.
Memory Aid
The extended thumb and pinky resemble the shape of the letter Y.
Z
Make the sign for 'Z' by drawing a 'Z' in the air with your index finger.
Memory Aid
The outline of Z is made with your index finger.
Letters with Dual Meanings
Some letters in the ASL alphabet have additional meanings:
- 'V' is also used for the number 2
- 'W' is also used for the number 6
- 'F' is also used for the number 9
- 'O' is the same as the number zero
- 'L' can be used for the number 2 in some number variations
Context usually clarifies whether you're signing a letter or a number.
Variations in Signing
While the ASL alphabet is consistent among users, there are slight variations in some letters:
- 'N': The index and middle fingers can be bent completely down or pointing forwards
- 'M': The index, middle, and ring fingers can be bent down or completely forward
Tips for Learning the ASL Alphabet
- Practice regularly - even a few minutes each day can make a big difference
- Practice fingerspelling words, starting with short words and progressing to longer ones
- Watch videos of native signers using the alphabet to get a feel for the natural flow and speed
- Remember that 'J' and 'Z' involve movement, while the other letters are static
- When spelling multiple words, pause briefly between words
- For ambiguous letters or numbers, sign "letter" or "number" before or after to clarify
Ready to test your knowledge?
Take our interactive ASL Alphabet Quiz to practice what you've learned.
Take the ASL Alphabet QuizNext Steps
Once you've mastered the ASL alphabet, you can move on to learning common words and phrases. Check out our other lessons to continue your ASL journey!
For more advanced usage of the alphabet, learn about fingerspelling techniques and their importance in ASL communication.
Explore More ASL LessonsFor more advanced usage of the alphabet, learn about fingerspelling techniques and their importance in ASL communication.