American Sign Language: "need" The sign for "need" can be used to represent a number of related concepts. Sign: need / must / should / ought-to / have-to Handshape: "x" Location: In front of you, off to the right side a bit. Orientation: starts palm forward, ends palm down Movement: "x" hand bends downward from the wrist Non-Manual Marker (Facial expressions and or body language): Use a stronger facial expression to indicate a greater degree of imperative. The faster, "harsher," and more exaggerated you do this sign, the more of a "requirement" exists to "do something." If you do this sign with a single, strong movement--it means need as in: must, have-to, "not much choice in the matter." If you use a double motion it means need as in: ought-to, should, "some choice in the matter." "MUST or HAVE-TO" using a single motion: The movement is downward. Starts and ends in an "x" handshape. Tje movement is mainly in the wrist not the arm. "SHOULD, OUGHT-TO" Use a double movement: MUST/HAVE-TO: Let me give you an exaggerated example of this concept showing an extreme "HAVE-TO": You can learn sign language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars

American Sign Language: "need"

The sign for "need" can be used to represent a number of related concepts.

Sign: need / must / should / ought-to / have-to
Handshape: "x"
Location: In front of you, off to the right side a bit.
Orientation: starts palm forward, ends palm down
Movement: "x" hand bends downward from the wrist
Non-Manual Marker (Facial expressions and or body language): Use a stronger facial expression to indicate a greater degree of imperative.

The faster, "harsher," and more exaggerated you do this sign, the more of a "requirement" exists to "do something." If you do this sign with a single, strong movement--it means need as in: must, have-to, "not much choice in the matter." If you use a double motion it means need as in: ought-to, should, "some choice in the matter."

"MUST or HAVE-TO" using a single motion:
The movement is downward. Starts and ends in an "x" handshape. Tje movement is mainly in the wrist not the arm.

"SHOULD, OUGHT-TO"
Use a double movement:

MUST/HAVE-TO:

Let me give you an exaggerated example of this concept showing an extreme "HAVE-TO":