How to Sign "Are" in American Sign Language

The short answer

American Sign Language (ASL) normally has no separate sign for "are." ASL is its own language with its own grammar. It is not English expressed on the hands. Forms of the English verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were) are usually left out. The meaning comes from the order of the signs, facial expression and context.

Your answer depends on what you are trying to do. If you want to communicate naturally in ASL, you usually drop "are" and sign the rest of the idea. If you have seen a dedicated "are" sign, it most likely comes from a signed-English system. Those systems follow English word order and add signs for English grammar words. They are not the same as ASL.

How ASL expresses sentences that use "are" in English

Instead of signing "are," ASL signers name the people or things involved and describe them. Questions are marked with facial grammar rather than a helper word. In yes/no questions, the eyebrows are usually raised. In questions using who, what, where, when, why or how, the brows are usually drawn together. These expressions are part of the grammar, not decoration.

English sentence | Common ASL-style gloss (signs written in capitals) | Notes

How are you? | HOW YOU? | Brows drawn together, as for a wh-question. No sign for "are."

Are you deaf? | YOU DEAF YOU? | Eyebrows raised for a yes/no question. Repeating YOU at the end is a common pattern.

We are friends. | WE FRIEND | Neutral statement. No sign for "are."

Where are you going? | YOU GO WHERE? | Brows drawn together. WHERE often comes at the end.

A gloss is a written stand-in for signs, usually in capital letters. It shows which signs are used and in what order. It cannot show movement, handshape or facial expression. Treat these glosses as a guide to structure, not as a complete description of how to sign them. Word order in ASL can vary with emphasis and regional or personal style, so other correct versions exist.

When a separate "are" sign is used

Some signed-English systems and English-based teaching settings use a sign for "are." One of these systems is Signing Exact English. Commonly described versions use an R handshape, with the index and middle fingers crossed. The hand starts near the lips or chin and moves forward. Related signs for "be," "am" and "is" use a similar movement with other letter handshapes.

Evidence gap: the materials for this article did not include a verified source describing this sign. Exact handshape, starting point and movement can differ between systems, schools and regions. Check the details with a qualified ASL or signed-English instructor, or with a reputable dictionary that shows the sign on video, before you rely on it.

Which approach to use

• Talking with Deaf people who use ASL: leave out "are" and use ASL word order and facial grammar.
• Following a classroom, school or program that uses signed English: use the "are" sign your instructor or program teaches.
• Unsure which one someone uses: ask them, or watch how they sign and follow their lead.

Checking your signing on camera

If you are practicing or signing on a video call, a quick self-check helps. Open your camera preview, or record a short clip, and confirm the following points.

• Your hands, face and upper body are all in the frame, with room to sign without your hands leaving the picture.
• Your face is lit well enough that eyebrow movement is visible, because that movement carries question grammar.
• The background behind you is plain and does not blend with your hands or clothing.
• If you use a virtual background or blur effect, play back a clip to see whether it cuts off or smears your fingers. If it does, turn the effect off and use a plain physical background.

A working camera preview only shows that the camera is capturing video. How clearly your signing comes through on a live call can also depend on the connection and the call app. If clarity matters, ask the other person whether they can read your handshapes and facial expressions clearly.