How to Sign “Beginner” in ASL

In American Sign Language (ASL), “beginner” is usually signed as two parts. First you sign BEGIN (also used for START). Then you add the person marker, a short sign that turns an action into “a person who does it.” Together they mean “someone who is starting out.”

The Short Answer

Sign BEGIN by holding your non-dominant hand flat and upright. Slip the index finger of your dominant hand between the index and middle fingers of that flat hand, then twist it, like turning a key. Follow with the person marker: hold both flat hands in front of your chest, palms facing each other, and move them straight down along the sides of your body.

Step by Step

• 1. Non-dominant hand: hold it open and flat with the fingers together and pointing up. Your palm faces sideways or slightly toward you, at about chest height.
• 2. Dominant hand: extend only your index finger, with the other fingers curled in, like pointing.
• 3. Insert: place the tip of your index finger into the gap between the index and middle fingers of your flat hand.
• 4. Twist: rotate your dominant wrist about a quarter turn, as if turning a key in a lock. This completes BEGIN.
• 5. Person marker: bring both hands up flat, palms facing each other about shoulder-width apart, and move them down together to about waist level.
• 6. Keep it smooth: move from BEGIN into the person marker in one continuous flow rather than pausing between them.

Ambiguities That Change the Meaning

• BEGIN without the person marker means “begin” or “start,” not “beginner.” The second part is what makes it a person.
• In everyday conversation, signers often describe someone’s experience level in other ways, for example by signing NEW together with the activity, or by saying they are “just starting” to learn something. Context decides which form sounds most natural.
• ASL has regional and community variation. The BEGIN-plus-person form is widely taught, but you may see other versions, and some people fingerspell B-E-G-I-N-N-E-R.
• ASL is not the same as other sign languages. British Sign Language and others use different signs, so this guide applies only to ASL.

Checking Your Sign on Camera

If you will use the sign on a video call, test it in your camera preview first. Seeing yourself in the preview shows that the camera is capturing video. It does not tell you how clear the image will look to others once the call is compressed and sent.

• Framing: make sure your hands stay in view from chest to waist. The person marker moves downward and is easy to cut off if the camera only shows your face.
• Lighting: light your hands and face from the front. A bright window behind you can turn your hands into silhouettes.
• Background: a plain physical background makes hand shapes easier to read. Virtual background effects can blur or erase fingers during fast movements, so check the preview with any effect turned on, or switch it off.
• Mirroring: many apps show you a mirrored preview, while other people see the unmirrored image. Don’t worry if your hands look reversed to you.

Limitations of This Guide

No source material or video references were provided for this guide. The description above reflects the commonly taught form, but written instructions can’t fully convey movement, speed or facial expression. To confirm your form, compare it against a reputable ASL dictionary video or ask a Deaf signer or qualified ASL instructor, especially if you need the sign for a particular community or region.