How to Sign “Back” in ASL: Pick the Right Meaning First

American Sign Language (ASL) translates meanings, not English words. The English word “back” has several meanings, and ASL uses a different sign for each. To sign it correctly, first decide which “back” you mean.

The short answer

For the body part, a common way is to reach a hand over your shoulder and tap or pat your upper back. For “back then” or “in the past,” use a flat hand that moves backward over your shoulder. For “behind,” “come back,” or “back me up,” use the signs for those ideas, described below. If you aren't sure which one fits, you can fingerspell B-A-C-K. Fingerspelling is understood, but it is less natural than the matching sign.

Which “back” do you mean?

Meaning in English | Example | Common ASL approach

The body part | “My back hurts.” | Reach over the shoulder and tap or pat the upper back, or point to the area

Time: before now | “Back in 2010…” / “a while back” | PAST: an open, flat hand near the shoulder, palm facing back, moves backward over the shoulder

Position: behind something | “The car is in back of the house.” | BEHIND: two fists with thumbs up; the dominant hand moves back behind the other

Returning | “Come back.” / “Go back home.” | A movement verb signed in the direction of travel; forms vary, so check a video dictionary

Supporting someone | “I've got your back.” | SUPPORT: the dominant fist pushes up under the other fist

Steps for the body-part sign

• 1. Use your dominant hand, the one you write with.
• 2. Bring it up and over the same-side shoulder, or reach around your side.
• 3. Tap or pat your upper back with your fingertips or palm, once or twice.
• 4. Pair it with a matching facial expression. For example, a wince with “my back hurts” carries part of the meaning.

Pointing to the exact spot is also normal ASL. To show lower-back pain, point to or touch your lower back instead of the shoulder area.

Limitations to keep in mind

No source documentation came with this guide. The descriptions above reflect widely taught forms, and none of them has been checked against a specific dictionary entry. ASL has regional and community variation, and written descriptions cannot fully capture handshape, movement, and facial expression. The “come back” and “go back” senses vary the most, so this guide does not give a single handshape for them.

How to verify your sign

• Compare your sign with a video entry in a reputable ASL dictionary, and look up the meaning you want, not just the English word.
• If you can, ask a Deaf signer or a certified ASL instructor. They are the most reliable check, especially for regional variants.
• Record yourself with your webcam or phone and play it back. Check that your hands stay in frame, including movements over your shoulder, and that your face is visible and well lit.

A camera recording only shows what you signed. It cannot confirm the sign is correct, so treat it as a practice aid and rely on a dictionary or a fluent signer for accuracy.