How to Sign "Comfortable" in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the language most widely used by Deaf communities in the US, "comfortable" is commonly signed with both hands relaxed and slightly curved, palms facing down. One hand strokes down over the back of the other hand, then the hands switch roles and the other hand strokes over the first. This alternating stroking is usually repeated once or twice, a little like gently petting the back of each hand in turn.

Sign languages are not universal. British Sign Language, Auslan and other national sign languages have their own vocabulary, so this description applies to ASL only. The same ASL sign is generally used for related ideas such as "comfort" and "cozy," with context and facial expression making the meaning clear.

Step-by-step: forming the sign

• 1. Start with both hands in front of your chest or upper stomach, palms facing down, fingers together and gently curved rather than stiff.
• 2. Place your dominant hand (the one you write with) on top of the back of your other hand.
• 3. Slide your dominant hand down and forward over the back of the lower hand, toward the fingertips.
• 4. Switch: bring your non-dominant hand over the back of your dominant hand and make the same stroking motion.
• 5. Repeat the alternating strokes once or twice in a smooth, unhurried rhythm.
• 6. Keep a relaxed, pleasant facial expression. In ASL, facial expression carries meaning, and a tense face would contradict a sign about ease.

How to check your form

Watching yourself is the simplest check. Sign in front of a mirror, or record a short clip with your phone or webcam and play it back. Look for these signs that your form is on track:

• Both hands take turns: each hand strokes the other, not just one hand moving.
• Contact is light, on the backs of the hands, not the palms.
• Hands stay soft and slightly curved instead of flat and rigid.
• The motion is smooth and repeated, not a single quick swipe.
• Your face looks relaxed and matches the meaning.

A self-check confirms that you are making the movement you intended. It cannot confirm that the sign reads naturally to a fluent signer or matches local usage. For that, compare your recording against a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or course, or ask a Deaf signer or qualified ASL instructor for feedback.

Limitations of this guide

• No source materials, such as dictionary entries or instructional videos, were supplied for this article. The description reflects the commonly taught form of the ASL sign and should be verified against a video demonstration.
• Signs can vary by region, community and generation, so you may see slightly different versions in use.
• English phrases like "I'm comfortable with that" (meaning agreement or acceptance) may be expressed differently in ASL than physical comfort. A fluent signer can show the most natural way to say what you mean in context.
• Written descriptions cannot fully capture movement and rhythm, so watching the sign performed is the most reliable way to learn it.