How to Sign “Anything Else” in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the question “anything else?” is commonly expressed with the sign glossed as OTHER, which also covers the meaning “else,” combined with a question facial expression. Glosses are English words written in capitals to label a sign; they are not word-for-word translations. ASL does not need a separate sign for every English word, so the idea “is there anything else?” can be carried by OTHER plus raised eyebrows.

One clarification changes the answer: there is no single universal sign language. This guide covers ASL, the sign language most widely used in the US. Russian Sign Language, British Sign Language and other sign languages use different signs, so the form described here should not be assumed to carry over to them.

How to form the sign step by step

• 1. Use your dominant hand and make a loose fist with the thumb extended upward, a shape often called the “10” handshape.
• 2. Hold the hand in front of your body at about chest height.
• 3. Twist your wrist outward so the thumb moves from pointing up to pointing toward your dominant side.
• 4. While signing, raise your eyebrows and lean your head slightly forward. In ASL, this facial expression marks a yes/no question, which is what turns “other” into “anything else?”
• 5. Hold the expression briefly after the movement so the other person can see it is a question.

The facial expression is part of the grammar, not decoration. Signing OTHER with a neutral face can read as a statement such as “another one” rather than a question.

Variations and limits of this guide

Signers sometimes add a separate sign before OTHER to emphasize “any” or “thing,” and regional and personal variation exists in ASL as in any language. No verified illustrations, video sources or dictionary entries were supplied for this article, so the description above reflects the commonly taught form only. Before relying on it in an important conversation, compare it with a reputable ASL video dictionary or, better, ask a Deaf signer, since a written description cannot fully show movement, speed and facial grammar.

Making the sign readable on a video call

Because this sign relies on both hand movement and facial expression, the camera has to capture both clearly. Having camera access in the browser or app only means the device can be used; it does not guarantee the video is clear enough to read signing.

• Frame yourself from the top of your head to about your waist so your face and the space in front of your chest are both visible.
• Light your face and hands from the front; strong light behind you can turn your hands into silhouettes.
• Use a plain physical background that contrasts with your skin and clothing so the handshape stands out.
• Be cautious with virtual backgrounds or blur effects; these software effects can cut off or smear moving hands at the edges of the body.
• Sign at a steady pace, since video compression on a weak connection can blur fast movement.

Checking the result

Record a short clip of yourself signing “anything else?” with your camera app or the call software’s preview, then play it back. Confirm that the thumb’s twist is visible, that your raised eyebrows are easy to see, and that your hand never leaves the frame. A local recording shows how your camera captures the sign; actual call quality can still differ depending on the connection, so a brief test call with someone else is the most reliable final check.