Note: The test below is simply a basic sign-vocabulary
review for a "survival signs" community education course. If you would like to test yourself using ASL
sentences (involving grammar), I recommend you try the "superdisk" available through the
bookstore.
Notes:
• The
answers to this test are at the bottom of the page.
• To do
well on this test, you should take the "First Hundred
Signs Tour."
•
Click here for a version of this test that doesn't have
the answers posted.
Instructions: Read the description and fill in the blank.
Note: These instructions are written for "right-handed" people. If you are left-handed just follow the instructions
using your left hand as the dominant hand instead of your right.
1. The sign for "__________" is made by holding one or both of your hands
horizontally in front of you. Your palms should face you, right hand a
couple of inches above the left. Move your hands in a circular motion up,
out, down, and back in again a couple times. The hands move in the same
direction in a simultaneous fashion, not alternating.
2. The sign for "__________" is made by forming both hands into the
letter "a." With the thumb side pointing upward, place both hands
near your shoulders (or at the base of your neck) an inch or two out from
the body. Now move both hands downward and together, coming to rest on your
lower belly.
3. The sign for "__________" is made by placing your right index finger
in front of your lips, palm back. Draw a circle in the air around your lips
a couple of times. Alternate Method: Place the thumb on the chin and
"flutter" the right index finger in front of the lips.
4. The sign for "__________" is made by holding your left arm
horizontally, palm down and pointing right. Put your right wrist on the back
of your left hand. Point the fingertips of your right hand downward.
5. The sign for "__________" is made by placing both of your hands in an
open, relaxed position just below your waist, fingers pointing down, palms
back. Bring both hands up to your waist. As your hands come up, bring your
fingers together and touch them with your thumbs.
6. The sign for "__________" is made by shaping both hands into fists,
(the letter "S" or "A."), palms down, right hand above
left. Tap the back (or thumb side) of your left hand a few times with your
right hand in a downward striking motion.
7. The sign for "__________" is made by pointing your left index finger
up, palm right or slightly down. Place the tip of your right index finger on
the tip of your left index finger. Move the tip of your right index finger
in a clockwise motion around your left index finger once with the finger
coming to rest again on the tip of the left index finger.
8. The sign for "__________" is made by placing the palm of your right
"5" hand on your chest. Move your hand forward away from you a few
inches while changing the handshape from a "5" to a "9,"
( your thumb and index finger together). Note: Many people use the thumb and
middle finger to make this sign instead of the thumb and index.
9. The sign for "__________" is made by extending your left hand outward.
Move the tip of your right index finger downward across the left palm.
10. The sign for "__________" is made by placing one or both index
fingers under your eyes. Bring your fingers down over your cheeks a few
times. The motion can be either alternating or simultaneous.
11. The sign for "__________" is made by placing both of your open (5)
hands in front of you. Each hand should face you, (or they can face somewhat
palm up), with your fingers extended and spread. Shake or rotate both hands
quickly (either once or) a couple of times with an outward twisting motion
ending with the palms facing somewhat outward and/or a little downward.
12. The sign for "__________" is made by forming each hand into a
flattened "O" shape. (The fingers are a little more straight then
in a normal "O.") Place both hands in front of you, about 5 inches
apart, facing each other. Bring your hands together, touching at the
fingertips.
13. The sign for "__________" is made by forming either an "A"
or an "S" with your right hand. Circle your hand over your heart
using a few clockwise motions, (up, left, down, right..etc.) Note: Some
people do this sign touching the chest, others hold it a little bit out from
the chest.
14. The sign for "__________" is made by extending your left hand, palm
upward. Sharply bring the pinky side of your open right hand down crosswise
onto the left palm at a right angle.
15. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the right hand into the
letter "S." Open and close your hand, alternating between the
letters "C" and "S."
16. The sign for "__________" is made by sliding your right hand, palm
down, index finger extended (other fingers closed), across the left palm,
(from the butt of the left hand toward the fingertips).
17. The sign for "__________" is made by pointing upward with your left
index finger. The palm of the left hand should face right. Place the right
index finger, palm back, at the top of the left index finger. Slide the
middle knuckle of right index finger down the thumb side of the left index
finger.
18. Make the sign for "__________" by touching your forehead with the
index finger of your right hand, palm back. (which also happens to be a
version of the sign for THINK). Pull the hand away and a little bit down
from the forehead.
19. The sign for "__________" is made by using the index finger and thumb
of each hand to trace the outline of your underwear. Your palms face
backward. Your hand shape changes from an upside down "L" to an
upside down closed "G."
20. Make the sign for "______" by placing the thumb of your
right hand against your forehead. Your hand should be open, and you may
choose to wiggle your fingers slightly. Some people "jab" their
forehead a couple times with the thumb of the "5" hand instead of
wiggling the fingers. What is the sign?
21. The sign for "__________" is made by forming your right hand into the
letter "C." Place your right hand on your upturned left palm. Some
people bounce the right hand slightly one time.
22. The sign for "__________" is made by placing both hands in front of
you, palms up. Each hand should be bent at the knuckles with the fingers
pointing upward. (Either that, or in a "Y" handshape.) Sharply
drop both of your hands a couple inches.
23. The sign for "__________" is made by placing your left hand palm
down, fingertips pointing forward. Put the tip of your right bent middle
finger on the back of your left hand near your wrist. (The other fingers of
the right hand are relatively straight and somewhat separated.) Slide your
right middle fingertip forward a few inches along the back of the left hand
(moving from near the wrist toward the knuckles.)
24. The sign for "__________" is made by placing both hands in front of
your face, palms in, fingers slightly spread and relaxed or curved very
slightly. Bring both of your hands down the length of your face. Note: You
don't actually touch your face.
25. The sign for "__________" is made by touching your chin with the
thumb of your right hand. The right hand should be open in a "5"
handshape. Now, move your hand forward using one or two small arches. (Some
people make only one arch, others make two.) What is the sign?
26. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the letter "C"
with the right hand and the letter "S" with the left. Place the
right "C" hand on top of the back of your left hand.
27. The sign for "__________" is made by holding out the left
"S" hand, palm right, thumb side up. Hold your right hand in a
"B" shape, palm down, a few inches farther away and slightly above
the left "S" hand. Bring the right "B" palm backward
toward you brushing it over the top (thumb side) of your left fist.
28. Make the sign for "_____" by holding the right
"B" hand out in front of you, palm down. Raise and lower the hand
an inch or two a couple of times. You can change this sign to mean
"CHILDREN" by sweeping the hand to the right while raising it up
and down two or more times. What is the sign?
29. The sign for "__________" is made by placing your flat right hand
over your heart or over the center of your chest. Move your hand in a
circular motion toward the left, down, right, and back up a couple of times.
30. The sign for "__________" is made by forming your right hand into the
letter "U." Brush the tips of your fingers on your chin in a
downward motion. Repeat twice.
31. The sign for "__________" is also the sign for "NICE." It
is made by placing your left hand in front of you, palm up. Move the flat
palm (or fingers) of your right hand across your left hand toward the
fingertips.
32. The sign for "__________" is made by closing both hands into
"A" hands. Palms facing each other. Right hand palm down, left
hand palm up. Rub the knuckles of both hands together. Use a circular
motion. Many people move only the right hand.
33. The sign for "__________" is made by forming your right hand into the
letter "W." Tap the front of your chin a couple of times with the
tip of your index finger.
34. Start by forming the letter "D" on each hand. Hold both
hands together with fingertips touching, (except the index fingers which are
pointed upward), and palms facing each other. Move both hands outward and
sideways so both palms face forward. (Some people just move the right hand
sharply away from the left.) What is the sign?
35. The sign for "__________" is made by extending the index fingers of
both hands. Bring the fingers toward each other several times using a
jabbing motion. Some people use a twisting motion while bringing the fingers
toward each other.
36. The sign for "__________" is made by cupping your right hand on top
of your left hand. Now reverse the position of both hands.
37. Make the sign for "__________" by closing the fingers of the right
hand into a flattened "O" handshape, (palm down). Form the left
hand into a "C," (palm right). Stuff the right hand fingertips
into the left "C" hand.
38. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the letter "P"
with your right hand. Sketch the letter "Z" in the air with the
"P" handshape.
39. The sign for "__________" is made by forming your right hand into the
letter "C." Move the hand to your mouth with a short arc as if
taking a drink.
40. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the letter "S"
on the right hand and squeezing your right hand in front of your mouth
several times, (alternating between the "S" handshape and a
scrunched "C" or "O" handshape).
41. The sign for "__________" is made by holding a loosely opened
"5" hand a couple of inches away from your face, palm back. While
moving your hand downward toward your chin, bring your fingertips and
thumbtip together. You don't touch your face.
42. You sign "__________" by extending your right "B" palm,
thumb alongside the fingers. Hold the hand off to the right and up a bit
with the palm facing left and a bit upward, with the fingertips pointing
forward. Sweep the hand down and toward the body (the pinkie side of the
hand slicing the air as it moves backwards toward you), ending palm up, near
your body. Note: This sign can also mean: "HIRE,"__________"INVITE,"
and "INTRODUCE." Some people prefer this sign not be used in
response to "Thank you." Instead they prefer to sign
"TRUE,"--which can be interpreted as "SURE."
43. The sign for "__________" is made by holding your right hand slightly
in front of your chest, palm back and a bit down. Move your hand down to
your waist using a slight outward arcing motion. Stop the motion with your
little finger resting against your body near your belly or waist. Another
way to do this sign is by using your index finger and thumb (of one or both
hands) to grab the upper part of your shirt and tug it outward a few times.
44. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the letter "L"
with both of your hands in front of you, palms facing each other, index
fingers pointed forward. Move both hands away from each other. Move your
hands beyond the width of your body - the further the distance, the larger
the word described.
45. The sign for "__________" is made by placing the right index finger
against your lips. Your palm should face left. Move your finger forward and
a little down in an arcing motion. Note: although ASL doesn't use
"be" verbs, this sign is often used to emphasize or affirm the
existence of a thing or condition.
46. The sign for "__________" is made by holding up the right index
finger, palm out. Waggle the finger tip back and forth a couple times. The
movement is from the wrist. Make sure to use an appropriate facial
expression.
47. To sign " ," form bent or curved "B" handshapes
on both hands, palms down and/or slightly back. Place your hands together
with the knuckles touching. (Looks kind of like McDonalds' Golden Arches.)
Roll the hands forward until the "arches" are upside down--ending
with your hands palm up in "cupping" handshapes. Note: Some people
just roll one hand forward.
48. Make the sign for "________" by forming both hands into the
letter "S." Hold both hands in front of you and shake them back
and forth quickly.
49. For the sign "________" the right hand clasps the left
hand. What is the sign?
50. The sign for "__________" is made by clapping your hands. Repeat two
or three times. The left hand is palm up and the right hand is palm down.
Some people keep the left hand stationary and only move the right hand.
(Note: Do this quietly.)
51. The sign for "________" is made by forming your right hand
into the letter "x." Place your right hand - palm down - at the right corner of your mouth. While moving your hand to the left corner of your mouth, alternate
between the letter "x" and your straight index finger a couple of
times.
52. Make the sign for "________" by placing the fingers of your
right hand near or against your lips, (palm back). Bring your right hand
down into the palm of your left hand.
53. The sign for "________" is made by forming the letter
"G" with your right hand. Twist/shake your hand back and forth a
couple of times using quick little rotating motions . Note: Some people move
the hand a bit to the right as they twist/shake it.
54. The sign for "______" is made by first touching your cheek
with the thumb of your right "A" hand. Next, bring both index
fingers together in front of you, pointing forward, palms down. Note:
Another way to sign "______" is to sign "female" then
sign the word "right" by forming the right and left hands into
index-finger handshapes, (or "G" handshapes). Hold the right hand
above the left hand then bring the pinkie side of the right hand down onto
the thumb side of the left hand, (the right "G" hand resting on
top of the left "G" hand). Make sure to sign each part smoothly
with no break in between. What is the sign?
55. The sign for "__________" is made by crossing both hands over your
heart. Your hands may be closed, (fists) or open, ("B" palms), but
the palms should face toward you. Note: Some people cross at the wrists.
56. The sign for "__________" is made by bringing the palms of both hands
together. (Or the butt of the right hand on the palm of the left.) Right
hand on top of left. Rotate your right hand back and forth a couple of
times.
57. The sign for "__________" is made by closing one of your hands into a
fist, (either is fine, I tend to place my left "A" hand on my
right palm). Then place your fist on the outstretched palm of your other
hand. Raise both hands together a couple of inches.
58. The sign for "__________" is made by extending your left hand, palm
up. Brush the fingertips of your right hand across the length of the left
palm a couple of times--moving from the butt of the left palm toward the
fingertips. The right hand is slightly bent at the knuckles.
59. The sign for "__________" is made by holding your left arm out in
front of you, bent at the elbow, hand pointing to the right. The left hand
can be either "B,"__________"D," palm up, or palm down,
(Relax--this one is flexible.) Rest your right elbow on your left hand. Your
right hand should point up, (it can also be either a "B," or a
"D"). Move your right hand down and to the left until it comes to
rest on your left forearm near the elbow. (The right elbow stays on the left
hand.)
60. Make the sign for "__________" by pointing both index fingers toward
each other, (or slightly outward). Rotate both fingers around one another in
an up-back-down-forward movement while moving the hands toward your body.
Many people sign this with a single arcing movement instead of a rotating
movement.
61. The sign for "__________" is made by forming "claw" hands
and placing your fingertips against your stomach, (or your chest). Pull both
hands forcefully up and outward. Make sure you use an appropriate facial
expression!
62. The sign for "__________" is made by forming both hands in
"s" handshapes. Move both hands as if controlling a steering
wheel.
63. "__________" is signed by holding up the left "B" palm,
fingertips pointing up. Place your right index finger (pointing up)
alongside the palm of your left hand, then move the finger upward a couple
of inches. Note: Another way to do this sign is to use the bent, right
"B" hand to indicate the height of a person. Think of placing your
hand on top of a tall person's head.
64. Make the sign for "___" by first making the sign for
"male" - grab the visor of a "cap" on your head between
your thumb and fingers and move your hand forward an inch our two. Then show
the height with a "B" hand, palm down. What is the sign?
65. The sign for "_____" is made by shaping the right hand to
form the letter "U." Hold your hand close to your right temple.
From the wrist, shake your hand slightly back and forth. Note: Instead of
shaking the hand, some people use a very small circular motion (down, right,
up, left,)
66. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the right hand into the
letter "T." With your palm facing away from you, hold your hand
slightly out from your body at about chest height and either shake or twist
the "T" handshape a couple times. (But do not circle it.)
67. The sign for "__________" is made by forming your right hand into the
letter "C." Place your the tip of your thumb and your fingertips
on your left palm. Lift (slightly), twist, and set down your right hand.
68. Make the sign for "____" by using the thumb of the right
"A" hand to trace the jawbone from near your ear to your chin.
Then hold your "B" hand out, palm down, as if showing the height.
What is the sign?
69. Start by holding the right-hand arm in front of you, pointing
forward, palm up, index finger pointing upward. Move your arm so that your
index finger "draws" a small circle in the air about the size of a
quarter. Note: The movement is in your shoulder and elbow, not in your
wrist. What is the sign?
70. The sign for " - " is made by forming both hands into the
letter "C" and holding them near each other, (palms down) in front
of you. Then move your hands apart while changing both hands into
"S" handshapes and then back into "C" handshapes a
couple of times.
71. The sign for "__________" is made by touching your forehead with the
fingertips of your right hand. While bringing your hand forward and down,
change the shape into the letter "Y," (keep your palm facing you).
72. Make the sign for "__________" by placing the fingers of your right
hand (palm back) against your lips or chin. Move your hand down and away
with a twisting motion so that your palm is facing downward.
73. The sign for "__________" is made by placing the middle knuckle of an
"X" handshape (or the thumb-tip of an "A" handshape) on
your cheek. Twist your hand back and forth a couple times, pivoting on the
knuckle.
74. The sign for "_______" is made by first signing
"male" as if you were grabbing a cap. Next, bring both index
fingers together in front of you, pointing forward, palms down. Note:
Another way to sign "_______" is to sign "male" then
sign the word "right" by forming the right and left hands into
index-finger handshapes, ("G" handshapes). Hold the right hand
above the left hand then bring the pinky side of the right hand down onto
the thumb side of the left hand, (the right "G" hand resting on
top of the left "G" hand). Make sure to sign each part smoothly
with no break in between. What is the sign?
75. The sign for "__________" is made by bending both wrists and pointing
both hands down. The handshape is a flattened "O," thumbs touching
fingertips. Sweep the fingertips of both hands forward and away from then
back toward your body a few times, pivoting at the wrist.
76. The sign for "__________" is made by forming both hands into the
letter "H." Hold your right hand a couple of inches above the
left. Lower your right hand--striking the middle finger of your right hand
down on top of your left index finger. Then move both hands down and outward
to the sides.
77. The sign for "__________" is made by touching your lips with the
fingertips of your right "B" hand, (or both hands if you are
especially thankful). Move your hand away from your face, ending with the
palm upward.
78. For the sign "__________" your right hand, palm back, fingers
pointing up, makes a backward slapping motion toward or over your right
shoulder. The hand ends up palm down, fingers pointing behind you.
79. The sign for "__________" is made by forming both hands into the
letter "S." Hold the right hand above the left hand. Circle the
right hand completely around the left. The movement is forward, down, back,
and up. The right hand should come to rest on top of the left.
80. The sign for "__________" is made by pointing both of your index
fingers down. Rub the sides of the index fingers together a few times in a
short, alternating, up and down motion.
81. The sign for "__________" is made by holding both open "B"
hands (relaxed) out in front of you, thumbs extended, palms up, (some people
curve the fingers slightly). Move both of them forward, to the sides, back,
and into the middle again a couple of times using a circular motion. (Some
people use a side to side motion instead of circular.)
82. Make the sign for "__________" by forming your right hand into the
letter "V." Turn your left palm upward. Jab the fingertips of the
right "V" hand into your left palm a few times.
83. The sign for "__________" is made by forming your right hand into the
letter "C." Move your hand down the middle of your chest toward
your belly.
84. Form each hand into a cupping shape. Hold your hands together, a few
inches out from your chest or stomach, palms up, (or back), fingernails or
middle knuckles on each hand touching. Then pull your hands apart (about 8
inches). Note: Some people start with the modified "C" or cupping
hands then half way through the sign change into "A" handshapes.
Both methods are fine. What is the sign?
85. The sign for "__________" is made by placing the index finger of your
right hand (pointing left, palm down) horizontally in front of your mouth.
Move your hand horizontally back and forth a couple of times.
86. The sign for "__________" is made by forming the letter "a"
with each hand. Place both your hands together, palms facing each other,
knuckles facing forward, thumb-sides facing up.
87. The sign for "__________" is made by extending your left
"B" hand horizontally in front of you, palm right, fingertips
pointing forward. Strike your left palm with the knuckle of your crooked
right index finger ("X" handshape), palm back, using a downward
movement.
88. Make the sign for "__________" by forming the letter "C"
(loosely) with the right hand. Place your thumb and fingertips in front of
your slightly opened mouth. Quickly twist your hand out (palm turning
somewhat forward) and down.
89. Make the sign for "__________" by pointing both index fingers toward
each other, or palms forward. Move both hands away from your body using
either an arching or an alternating- circular motion toward the desired
place. Many people use a sweeping arc motion instead of a circular motion.
90. Make the sign for "__________" by extending your left hand, palm to
the right or slightly back, fingertips pointing forward. Grab your left
fingers between the palm and fingers of your right hand. Pull your right
hand forward away from your left hand a few times. The right handshape is
that of an "A," palm left (or it can be palm down). During the
first part of the sign, the tips of the left fingers are tucked into the
"A." When the right hand moves forward, it slides off of the left
hand's fingers. The left hand stays stationary.
91. Make the sign for "__________" by forming the letter "H"
with the right hand, palm up (or slightly back). Hold your left hand in a
cupped shape, palm-up. Lift the right hand from your left hand toward your
mouth a few times as if eating soup.
92. Make the sign for "______" by placing the thumb of your
right "5" hand against your chin. Some people wiggle the fingers a
little. Other people just "jab" their chin twice. What is the
sign?
93. Make the sign for "____" by placing both index fingers side
by side, palms down. What is the sign?
94. The sign for "__________" is made by touching your forehead with the
thumb of your right hand. The right hand should be open in a "5"
handshape. Now, move your hand forward in one or two small arches. Some
people make only one arch, others make two. What is the sign?
95. Start by bending both arms at the elbows. Then put your forearms
together, horizontally, palms up, right arm on top. The right arm is
pointing left and the left arm is pointing right. Then gently rock your arms
from side to side. Note: Some people rock the arms up and down instead of
side to side. What is the sign?
96. The sign for "__________" is made by holding your right "A"
hand near your right cheek. Then twist or shake your hand slightly. Note:
Instead of twisting or shaking the hand, some people use a very small,
repeated, circular motion, (down, right, up, left,).
97. The sign for "__________" is made by closing both hands into
"S" hands, thumb-sides facing, knuckles to the front, palms down.
Strike your hands together a couple times.
98. The sign for "__________" is made by touching the fingertips and
thumb of the right hand (similar to a flattened "O" handshape) on
the cheek near the mouth. Then move (jump) your hand an inch or so backward
to a point on the cheek closer to your ear.
99. Make the sign for "__________" by closing the fingers of the right
hand into a flattened "O" shape, point the fingertips down. Wrap
the fingers and thumb of the left hand around the flattened "O" of
the right hand. The left hand should resemble the letter "C." Pull
the right hand up and out of the left "C" hand.
100. The sign for "__________" is made by holding your right
"B" hand close to the right temple or cheek with your palm facing
left and fingertips pointing up. Move your hand forward in a slight up then
down arcing motion, (as if slicing the air).
Answers:
1. happy
2. coat
3. who
4. night, evening
5. pants
6. work
7. when
8. like
9. what
10. cry, tears
11. finish12. more
13. sorry
14. stop
15. milk
16. week
17. month
18. cents, penny, think
19. underwear
20. father, dad
21. cup
22. present, now
23. empty, bare
24. sad
25. grandmother
26. church
27. full
28. child
29. please
30. candy, sugar, or cute
31. clean, nice
32. wash
33. water
34. divorce
35. hurt
36. hamburger
37. in
38. pizza
39. drink
40. orange
41. sleep
42. welcome, hire, invite
43. shirt
44. big, large
45. true, sure
46. where
47. how
48. cold
49. marriage, marry
50. school
51. cereal
52. good
53. green
54. sister
55. love
56. cheese
57. help
58. excuse
59. day
60. come
61. angry
62. drive, car
63. tall, height
64. boy, male
65. uncle
66. bathroom or toilet
67. cookie
68. girl
69. single, something, alone, someone
70. hot dog
71. why
72. bad
73. apple
74. brother
75. store
76. egg
77. thank-you
78. past
79. year
80. socks
81. here
82. fork
83. hungry
84. separate, apart
85. brush teeth, toothbrush
86. with, together
87. cost, price
88. hot
89. go
90. dollars
91. spoon
92. mother, mom
93. same
94. grandfather
95. baby, infant
96. aunt
97. shoes
98. home
99. out
100. future, will