How to Sign “One Another” in Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), “one another” and “each other” are usually expressed with the same sign, often glossed as EACH-OTHER. Both hands make a thumbs-up fist. The dominant hand turns so its thumb points down above the other thumb, which points up. Then both hands circle around each other in a small horizontal loop.

There is one important qualification. ASL often shows “one another” by changing the action sign itself instead of adding a separate word. The separate sign is useful to know, but it is not always the most natural choice.

First, which sign language?

Sign languages are not universal. ASL, British Sign Language, Russian Sign Language and others have their own vocabulary and grammar, and a sign from one may mean nothing in another. Because this guide is written for a US audience, it describes ASL. If you need a different sign language, check with a fluent signer or a dictionary for that language. Do not assume the ASL form carries over.

Step by step: the EACH-OTHER sign

• 1. Make a loose fist with each hand, with the thumb extended. This handshape is like a thumbs-up and is sometimes called the “10” handshape.
• 2. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your chest with the thumb pointing up.
• 3. Turn your dominant hand over so its thumb points down, and place it just above the other thumb.
• 4. Move both hands in a small circle around each other, parallel to the floor, as if the thumbs were orbiting a shared center.
• 5. Keep the movement compact and smooth. It does not need to be large to be understood.

Signers vary in hand orientation, in how many circles they make and in exact speed. Treat this description as a starting point. Compare it with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or with a Deaf or fluent signer. A written description cannot fully capture movement, so this check matters.

When the verb carries the meaning instead

Many ASL verbs are directional, which means their movement can point toward the people involved. To show two people doing something to each other, a signer often performs the verb with both hands aimed at each other, at the same time or in alternation. In that case the reciprocal meaning, “one another,” is built into the verb, and adding EACH-OTHER can be redundant.

A practical rule: use EACH-OTHER for a general idea, such as “we help one another” or “respect each other.” For specific actions, ask a fluent signer whether that verb has a reciprocal form. Not every verb works this way, and this guide does not list which verbs do.

Checking that the sign reads clearly on a video call

If you are signing over video, the camera needs to show the full movement. EACH-OTHER happens in front of the chest, so framing that cuts off at the shoulders or hides your hands will lose it. Seeing yourself on screen only confirms that the camera works. It does not prove the other person sees smooth, clear motion, because call quality also depends on the connection and the app.

• Framing: show from about the top of your head to your waist, with some space on each side for your hands.
• Lighting: light your face and hands from the front. Strong light behind you can turn your hands into silhouettes.
• Physical background: a plain wall that contrasts with your skin tone and clothing makes handshapes easier to read than a busy room.
• Virtual backgrounds and blur: these effects can blur, clip or erase moving hands at the edges. If the person watching reports trouble, turn the effect off and use a plain physical background instead.
• Verify: record a short test clip or ask the other person whether they can see both thumbs and the circular motion clearly.

Limitations of this guide

No specific source material was supplied for this article. The sign description reflects how EACH-OTHER is commonly taught in ASL, not a verified reference entry. Regional and personal variation exists, and grammar such as reciprocal verb forms is best learned from fluent signers. For anything important, such as teaching, interpreting or formal communication, confirm the sign with a Deaf signer, a qualified ASL instructor or an established ASL video dictionary.