How to Sign "Same" in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), "same" is most often signed with a Y handshape: thumb and pinky extended, the other three fingers folded down. Hold the hand palm down and move it back and forth between the two things being compared, such as between yourself and the person you are talking to. A second common version uses both index fingers pointing forward, brought together side by side. Both are widely used, and which one fits depends on what you mean.

This guide covers ASL, the sign language most used in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, are separate languages with their own vocabulary, so these signs may not carry over.

Version 1: The Y-hand "same"

This version is often used to say that two people or things share something, as in "same as you" or "me too."

• 1. Form a Y handshape with your dominant hand: extend your thumb and pinky, and curl your index, middle and ring fingers into your palm.
• 2. Turn the palm to face down, with the hand held comfortably in front of your chest.
• 3. Move the hand side to side between the two people or things you are comparing. To say "same as you," move it between yourself and the other person.
• 4. Keep the movement small and relaxed; a short back-and-forth is enough.

Version 2: The two-index-finger "same"

This version shows two things matching or being alike, by bringing two separate fingers together.

• 1. Extend the index finger on each hand, with the other fingers closed.
• 2. Point both index fingers forward, palms facing down, starting a short distance apart.
• 3. Bring the hands together so the sides of the index fingers meet and line up.

Which version should you use?

The Y-hand version is the more flexible choice when you are relating people or things to each other, because the movement can point to whoever or whatever is being compared. The index-finger version emphasizes two things matching. Usage can vary by region, community and individual signer, so if the person you are signing with uses one version, following their lead is a reasonable choice.

Facial expression is part of ASL grammar, not decoration. A neutral or affirming expression fits a plain statement, while raised eyebrows can turn the sign into a question such as "Same?" The sign alone does not carry those differences.

How to check that you are signing it correctly

• Watch yourself in a mirror or your device's front-camera preview while signing, and compare your handshape to the descriptions above.
• For the Y hand, confirm that only the thumb and pinky are extended and that the palm faces down.
• For the index-finger version, confirm both fingers point forward and meet side by side rather than tip to tip.
• Keep your hands within your upper-body area so the sign is clearly visible, including on a video call where framing matters.

A mirror or camera check shows whether your handshape and movement match a written description, but it cannot confirm that a fluent signer would read your sign naturally. Written descriptions also cannot fully capture movement and timing. To confirm your form, compare it against video from a reputable ASL dictionary or ask a Deaf signer or qualified ASL instructor.

Limits of this guide

No source material was supplied for this article, so the descriptions above reflect commonly taught forms of the sign rather than a cited reference. Regional variants and individual signing styles exist and are not covered in detail here. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with video or a fluent signer before relying on it in important conversations.