How to Sign “Amazed” in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), “amazed” is commonly expressed with the same sign used for SURPRISED. Start with both hands near the outer corners of your eyes, with each index finger pinched against its thumb. Then flick the index fingers and thumbs open so they spread apart. At the same time, raise your eyebrows and widen your eyes. Your facial expression is part of the sign, not decoration. It carries much of the meaning and shows how strong the feeling is.

Three things can change which sign is right. First, sign languages are not universal. British Sign Language, Auslan and other sign languages have their own signs, and this guide covers ASL only, as used in the US. Second, English “amazed” does not map neatly onto a single ASL sign. Signers may use SURPRISED, a WOW sign, or a descriptive expression such as a jaw-drop, depending on context and intensity. Third, regional and personal variation exists. No source evidence was supplied for this guide, so treat the description as a general starting point. Confirm it against a reputable ASL video dictionary or with a Deaf signer or qualified instructor.

Step by step

• 1. Raise both hands to face level, one on each side of your face, close to the outer corners of your eyes.
• 2. On each hand, touch the tip of your index finger to the pad of your thumb. Curl the other fingers loosely into your palm.
• 3. Keep your hands near your eyes, but don't touch your face.
• 4. In one quick motion, flick the index finger and thumb apart on both hands at once. The hands should open into a shape like the letter L.
• 5. As your fingers open, raise your eyebrows and widen your eyes. If the context suits it, let your mouth open slightly.
• 6. Make the movement crisp and short. A sharper flick and a stronger facial expression show a stronger reaction.

How to check that you are signing it correctly

Practice in front of a mirror, or record a short clip of yourself and play it back. Look for four things: both hands start beside the eyes rather than in front of them; both hands open at the same moment; your eyebrows rise as the hands open; and the motion looks like one quick flick rather than a slow unfolding.

This kind of self-check only confirms that your movement matches a written description. It does not confirm that the sign fits your context, matches local usage, or reads naturally to fluent signers. For that, compare your recording side by side with a video from a trusted ASL dictionary, or ask a Deaf signer or ASL teacher for feedback.

Limitations of this guide

Written descriptions of signs are imprecise, because handshape, timing and facial expression are hard to capture in words. This guide was written without verified reference material for this specific sign, so it does not cover regional variants or less common alternatives in detail. If accuracy matters, rely on video sources or a qualified signer rather than text alone, for example when signing to a Deaf colleague, at an event, or in teaching material.