How to Sign "Around" in ASL

There is no single ASL sign for every use of the English word "around." ASL signs carry meanings, not English words, so the sign you need depends on what "around" means in your sentence. The most common sign, often glossed AROUND, shows something circling or surrounding a point. Other meanings, like "approximately" or "turn around," usually use different signs or a different structure.

The basic sign: "around" as in surrounding or circling

Use this form when "around" means encircling something, as in "a fence around the house" or "go around the tree." A common form works like this:

• Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you as the reference point. Many references show an upright index finger; some show the fingertips bunched together.
• Point the index finger of your dominant hand downward, above or beside the reference hand.
• Move the dominant index finger in a horizontal circle around the reference hand.
• Keep the circle smooth and controlled. One or two circles is typical.

This sign looks similar to the ASL sign for ABOUT, meaning "on the topic of." The handshapes and movement differ in detail, and descriptions vary between dictionaries, so compare against a video before relying on your version.

When "around" means something else

• "Approximately" (around 5 o'clock, around 20 people): ASL usually uses a sign often glossed APPROXIMATELY. An open hand with the palm facing out makes small circles near shoulder height, together with the number or time.
• "Nearby" or "in the area" (is there a store around here?): signers often use a sign for AREA or HERE, or point and make a small circling motion over the space they mean, rather than the encircling sign.
• "Moving around" or "turning around" (walk around, turn around): ASL usually shows the motion itself through the verb or a classifier, a handshape that stands for a person or object and moves the way it moves. A separate AROUND sign is often unnecessary.
• "All around" or "everywhere": this is usually expressed with signs meaning EVERYWHERE or by sweeping across the signing space.

If you are not sure which meaning applies, rephrase the English sentence in plain terms first, such as "circle the tree," "about five," or "near here," then choose the sign that matches that meaning.

Limitations of this description

No specific dictionary entries, videos or expert review were supplied for this article. The descriptions above reflect commonly taught forms only. Regional and personal variation exists, and written descriptions can't show movement, speed or facial expression, which are part of the sign. To confirm, check a reputable ASL dictionary that includes video, or ask a Deaf signer or a qualified ASL instructor.

Checking your sign on camera

If you plan to sign on a video call, record a short clip first. Watching yourself shows whether the sign is visible to the other person. It does not show whether the sign is correct.

• Frame yourself from about the top of your head to your waist, so the circling motion is never cut off at the edge of the frame.
• Use even, front-facing light so your hands are not in shadow.
• Choose a plain physical background that contrasts with your skin and clothing.
• Turn off virtual backgrounds and background blur while signing, because these effects can blur or partly erase moving hands.
• Watch the playback to check that the circle reads clearly and is not smeared by motion blur. If it is, add light or slow the movement slightly.