How to Sign “Any” in ASL

The short answer

The sign for “any” in American Sign Language (ASL) is commonly described as a single wrist twist using an A handshape. An A handshape is a closed fist with the thumb resting along the side of the index finger, not tucked under the fingers. You start with your palm facing toward you, then twist your wrist so the palm turns outward or downward.

No sources or video references were supplied for this article. The description above reflects how the sign is generally taught, but ASL dictionaries and teachers may describe the starting position, ending position or size of the twist slightly differently. Confirm the movement against a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or a Deaf ASL instructor before relying on it.

Step by step

• 1. Use your dominant hand, the one you write with.
• 2. Form an A handshape: close your fingers into a fist and rest your thumb against the side of your index finger.
• 3. Hold the hand at about chest height in front of your body, with your palm facing you.
• 4. Twist your wrist outward in one smooth motion so your palm ends facing out or down.
• 5. Keep the movement short and relaxed. It is a twist of the wrist, not a swing of the whole arm.

When English “any” is not signed with ANY

ASL is a separate language with its own grammar, so English words do not map one to one onto signs. In many English sentences, “any” does not get its own sign in ASL. For example, a question like “Do you have any questions?” is often signed with the sign for “question” and a questioning facial expression, with raised eyebrows for a yes/no question, rather than a word-for-word translation. If you are translating a full sentence, learn how the whole phrase is usually signed instead of inserting ANY wherever English uses it.

Related words such as “anyone” and “anything” are separate signs or combinations, not just the ANY sign repeated. Look these up individually rather than guessing.

Do not confuse the sign with the fingerspelled letter A. The handshape is the same, but the letter A is held still, while ANY includes the wrist twist.

Checking your sign on camera

If you plan to use the sign on a video call, open your camera's self-view or preview window and watch yourself sign. Make sure your hand and face stay inside the frame at chest height, because facial expression carries grammar in ASL. Many call apps mirror the self-view, so your dominant hand may appear on the opposite side. Others usually see the unmirrored image. A plain physical background and even lighting on your hands make the handshape easier to read. Virtual background effects can sometimes blur or cut off moving hands, so check the preview with any effect turned on before the call.

Seeing a clear image in your own preview confirms the camera is capturing video. It does not guarantee how smooth the video will look to the other person, since that depends on the connection. If someone tells you your signs look choppy, slowing down slightly or turning off video effects may help.