How to Sign "Interesting" in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), "interesting" is commonly signed with both hands. Each hand starts with the thumb and middle finger extended toward your body and the other fingers spread. Your dominant hand touches your upper chest and your other hand touches lower on your torso. Then both hands pull forward, away from your body, as the thumb and middle finger close together.

This guide describes ASL, the sign language most widely used in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, have their own signs for this idea. ASL itself also has regional and personal variations, so you may see a different version used in your community.

"Interesting" versus "interested"

ASL often uses the same basic sign for interest, interested and interesting. Context, sentence structure and facial expression usually show which meaning is intended, rather than a separate word ending as in English.

Facial expression carries grammatical and emotional meaning in ASL. An engaged, attentive expression supports "interesting." A flat or exaggerated expression can change how the sign comes across, for example making it read as sarcastic.

Step by step

• 1. Form the handshape on both hands: extend your thumb and middle finger, bend the middle finger slightly toward you, and keep the other fingers loosely spread. This is often called an "open 8" handshape.
• 2. Place your dominant hand so the tips of the thumb and middle finger touch your upper chest.
• 3. Place your non-dominant hand the same way, lower on your torso, below the first hand.
• 4. Move both hands forward and slightly outward, away from your body.
• 5. As the hands move, bring each thumb and middle fingertip together, as if gently drawing something out of your chest.
• 6. Keep your expression attentive and engaged while you sign.

Some signers use a one-handed version, made with only the dominant hand at the chest. You may see it in casual signing or when the other hand is busy.

How to check that you're signing it clearly

Practicing in front of a mirror, or recording yourself with a phone or webcam, lets you compare your movement with a reliable reference. Look for the following:

• Both contact points, upper chest and lower torso, are visible. Since this sign is made on the body, a frame that shows only your face will cut it off.
• The hands clearly start against the body and finish forward, with the thumb and middle finger closed.
• The movement is smooth and deliberate, not rushed.
• Your facial expression matches the meaning you intend.

A mirror or recording only shows whether your sign matches what you are copying. It cannot confirm that the reference is correct for your region, or that your signing looks natural to fluent signers. If you plan to sign on a video call, a self-recording does show whether your chest area is in frame. It says nothing about the call's video quality or connection, which you would need to check separately.

Limitations and next steps

A written description cannot fully show movement, timing or facial grammar. No demonstration video or authoritative source was available for this guide, and it does not cover regional variants in detail. Before relying on this sign, compare it with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or course, or ask a Deaf signer or qualified ASL instructor for feedback. They can also tell you which version is most common where you live.