How to Sign “Be” in ASL

The short answer

American Sign Language (ASL) usually has no separate sign for the English verb “be” or its forms “am,” “is” and “are.” ASL is its own language, with its own grammar. It does not translate English word for word. Where English needs a linking verb, ASL places the subject and the description side by side, and facial expression and context supply the meaning.

If you have seen a dedicated “BE” sign, it most likely came from an English-based signing system rather than ASL. That difference matters, so it is covered below.

How ASL expresses “am,” “is” and “are”

In a basic ASL statement, you sign who or what you are talking about, then sign the description. The linking verb is understood, not signed.

English sentence | Common ASL gloss (sign order)

I am a teacher. | ME TEACHER

She is tired. | SHE TIRED (pointing to the person or a set location for “she”)

They are home. | THEY HOME

I am happy. | ME HAPPY (with a matching facial expression)

A gloss is a written label for a sign, usually in capital letters. It shows which signs are used and in what order. It is not a full description of how each sign is made, so learn the individual signs from a video source or an instructor.

Common phrases that include “be”

Many English phrases with “be” are signed through the main idea, not through the word “be”:

• “Be careful” is usually signed with CAREFUL and a serious, cautioning facial expression.
• “Be quiet” is usually signed with QUIET, with facial expression adding the command tone.
• “Will be” or “going to be” is usually shown with a future marker, such as the sign often glossed as WILL or FUTURE, followed by the description.
• “There is” or “there are” is often expressed with a sign meaning have or exist, or by pointing to a location, depending on context.
• “Is he here?” turns into a question through facial grammar, such as raised eyebrows for a yes/no question. No signed “is” is needed.

When a “BE” sign does appear: English-based signing

Some systems, such as Signed Exact English (SEE), are designed to represent English grammar on the hands, word for word. These systems include signs for “be,” “am,” “is” and “are.” They are often taught in some school settings, and some families use them to support English literacy. They are not ASL.

In these systems, the forms of “be” are commonly described as initialized signs. That means each one uses the handshape of the word’s first letter. The usual description of “BE” is:

• Form a B handshape: fingers flat and together, thumb folded across the palm.
• Place the index-finger side of the hand near the lips or chin.
• Move the hand forward, away from the mouth.
• In the same pattern, “am,” “is” and “are” use the A, I and R handshapes.

Exact handshapes and placement can vary between programs and regions. Before relying on this description, compare it against a video from the specific system you are learning.

Which approach should you use?

• If you are learning ASL, or signing with Deaf people who use ASL, leave out “be” and use subject-plus-description order with the right facial expression.
• If a school, interpreter or family has asked you to use an English-based system, use that system’s “BE” sign and its related forms.
• If you are not sure which one the other person uses, ask them. People who sign often understand both, but most have a preference.

How to check your result

• Compare your signing with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or course, ideally one presented by Deaf signers.
• If you practice on camera, frame your hands, face and upper body. In ASL, facial expression carries grammar.
• Ask a Deaf ASL user or a qualified ASL instructor for feedback on whether your sentences read naturally.

Limits of this guide

No specific source material was supplied for this article. The explanations above reflect widely described features of ASL and English-based signing systems, not a verified reference. Signing also varies by region, community and generation. Confirm the signs with video sources and fluent signers before using them in important conversations.