How to Sign “Above” in ASL

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), “above” is commonly signed with both hands flat and palms facing down. The non-dominant hand stays still as a base. The dominant hand starts just on top of it and then rises a few inches, showing that one thing is higher than another. Your dominant hand is the one you write with.

This description is based on general knowledge of the sign. No dictionary entry or video demonstration was supplied for this guide, so check the movement against a reputable ASL dictionary video or with a Deaf signer or certified instructor. Small details such as hand shape and how far the hand rises can vary between regions and individual signers.

Step by step

• 1. Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of your chest, palm down and fingers pointing to the side.
• 2. Place your dominant hand flat on top of it, also palm down.
• 3. Lift your dominant hand straight up a short distance while keeping the lower hand in place.
• 4. Keep the movement smooth and controlled. A small, clear rise is easier to read than a large, fast one.

When the meaning changes the sign

English uses “above” in several ways, and ASL does not always use one sign for all of them:

• Physical position (“the shelf above the desk”): the sign described above works. Signers also often show the exact layout using classifiers, which are hand shapes that stand for objects and show where they are placed in space.
• More than an amount (“above average,” “above 100 degrees”): signers often use a different sign meaning “more than” or “exceed,” usually with bent hands, where the dominant hand rises past the other. Confirm this form with a dictionary or instructor before using it.
• Something mentioned earlier (“as stated above”): this is usually expressed with a sign meaning “before” or “previously,” or by pointing back to something already set up in the conversation, not with the location sign.

If you are unsure which meaning applies, think about what the sentence is really saying. Is it about location, quantity, or an earlier reference? Choose the sign that matches that meaning, not the English word.

Checking the sign on camera

If you are practicing or signing on a video call, make sure the other person can actually see the rising movement. A camera can be turned on and sending video while your hands are still partly out of frame.

• Frame the camera so it shows the space from just above your head to your waist. This leaves room for the upward movement.
• Light your hands and face from the front, not from behind, so your hands don't become silhouettes.
• Choose a plain physical background that contrasts with your skin tone and clothing.
• Be careful with virtual backgrounds and blur effects. These software effects can sometimes erase or smear moving hands. If your hands flicker or disappear in the preview, turn the effect off.
• Record a short test clip or check the self-view preview. Confirm that both hands stay visible for the whole movement.

What this guide could not confirm

No sources, dictionary entries or demonstration videos were available for this guide, so the descriptions above are not verified against a specific reference. Before relying on the sign in important communication, watch a reputable ASL dictionary video or ask a Deaf signer. This is especially important for the “more than” and “mentioned earlier” meanings, where the right choice depends on context.