How to Sign “Adventure” in ASL

The short answer

The most dependable way to show “adventure” in American Sign Language (ASL) is to fingerspell it, A-D-V-E-N-T-U-R-E, using the ASL manual alphabet. Fingerspelling is an established part of ASL for English words, names and terms that lack a widely shared sign, so signers across the US will understand it.

There may also be a dedicated or regional sign for “adventure.” This guide doesn’t describe one because none could be confirmed from reliable evidence, and a sign with the wrong handshape or movement can change the meaning. If you want a single sign rather than fingerspelling, check it with a Deaf ASL user, a qualified ASL teacher or a reputable ASL video dictionary.

Why the meaning matters more than the English word

ASL is its own language, not English on the hands, so signs usually map to meanings rather than to English words one by one. “Adventure” can mean a trip, an exciting or risky experience, or exploring somewhere new. Fluent signers often express that idea through context, other signs and facial expression instead of a single equivalent word. If you are signing a whole sentence, it helps to ask a fluent signer how they would express your intended meaning, not just how to translate the word.

How to fingerspell A-D-V-E-N-T-U-R-E

Use your dominant hand, held around shoulder height with your palm facing the person you are signing to. Form each letter in place without bouncing your hand for every letter, and keep a steady rhythm. Smooth, even letters are easier to read than fast ones.

Letter | Handshape

A | Closed fist, thumb resting against the side of the index finger

D | Index finger points up; the other fingertips touch the thumb to form a rounded shape

V | Index and middle fingers up and spread apart; other fingers held down by the thumb

E | Fingertips curled down toward the thumb, which is tucked across the palm

N | Index and middle fingers folded down over the thumb

T | Thumb tucked between the index and middle fingers of a closed hand

U | Index and middle fingers up and held together

R | Index and middle fingers up and crossed

E | Same as the earlier E

Checking your signing on a video call

If you plan to sign on camera, a quick self-check helps the other person read your hands. Note that the camera turning on does not guarantee your fingerspelling will be clear; framing, lighting and the video feed itself all affect readability.

• Frame yourself from the top of your head to about mid-chest so your hand and face stay in view while you fingerspell.
• Light your face and hands from the front; a bright window behind you can turn your hands into silhouettes.
• Choose a plain physical background that contrasts with your skin tone so handshapes stand out.
• Be cautious with virtual backgrounds and blur effects, which can clip or smear moving fingers; test them before relying on them.
• Record a short clip of yourself fingerspelling and play it back to check that each letter is distinguishable.

Limitations of this guide

No confirmed source for a single ASL sign meaning “adventure” was available, so this guide doesn’t describe or recommend one. Fingerspelling is a widely understood fallback, but a Deaf signer or certified ASL instructor can show you a sign used in your community and confirm the handshape, movement and facial expression.