How to Sign "Answer" in ASL

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), ANSWER is commonly taught with both index fingers. Hold both index fingers pointing up, with your dominant hand near your mouth or chin and your other hand slightly in front of it. Then bend both hands forward and down from the wrist so the fingers end up pointing away from you, toward the person you are answering. The idea is words leaving your mouth and going out to someone else.

This description reflects how the sign is widely taught, but no source evidence was supplied for this article. Before relying on it, confirm it against a reputable ASL video dictionary or with a Deaf signer or certified ASL instructor, because a written description cannot show timing, size or facial expression precisely.

Step by step

• 1. Handshape: extend the index finger on each hand and curl the other fingers into a loose fist.
• 2. Starting position: raise your dominant index finger near your lips or chin, pointing up. Hold your non-dominant index finger a little farther out in front of you, also pointing up.
• 3. Movement: in one smooth motion, bend both wrists so the index fingers tip forward and down until they point outward.
• 4. Direction: aim the movement toward the person you are answering. In ASL, the direction of a sign can show who is doing what to whom.

Context that changes the meaning

"Answer" in English covers several ideas, and ASL does not always use the same sign for all of them.

• Replying to a question or message: the sign described above is the usual choice and is often also used for RESPOND or REPLY.
• Answering the phone or the door: signers typically show the action itself, such as raising a phone to the ear or opening a door, rather than using ANSWER.
• The answer as a solution, such as the answer to a math problem: signers may use ANSWER, or a sign that means solution or result, depending on context and the signer.
• Noun versus verb: many ASL noun and verb pairs differ in movement. A noun often uses a shorter, repeated motion. Whether and how this applies to ANSWER varies, and no evidence was supplied to confirm a specific noun form, so check this with a fluent signer.

Regional and personal variation also exists. If the person you are signing with uses a different form, follow their lead.

Check your sign on camera

If you plan to use the sign on a video call, record yourself or open your camera preview. Seeing your face in the preview only means the camera has access. It does not show that your signing will be clear to the other person. Look for these points:

• Framing: your face, both hands and the space from roughly your head to your chest should be in frame throughout the movement, including where your fingers end up.
• Lighting: light your face and hands from the front so the handshape is not lost in shadow or against a bright window behind you.
• Background: a plain physical background usually makes hands easier to see. Virtual background or blur effects can sometimes clip or smear fast-moving fingers, so test any effect before a call.
• Mirroring: many camera previews show a mirrored image, so your dominant hand may appear on the opposite side. This is normal. Most apps send an unmirrored view to other participants, but check your app's settings if you are unsure.

Compare your recording with a video reference of the sign. If you can, ask a fluent signer to confirm that the handshape, starting point and movement read clearly.