How to Sign “Then” in ASL

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign usually taught for “then,” meaning “next” or “after that,” uses both hands. Your non-dominant hand forms an L handshape, with the thumb and index finger extended. The index finger of your dominant hand moves from the tip of that thumb to the tip of that index finger. The movement looks like stepping from one item in a list to the next.

Evidence gap: no verified dictionary entry or instructor source was supplied for this guide. The description here is general. Confirm the exact handshape, palm orientation and movement against a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or a Deaf ASL instructor, because references and regions can differ in small details.

Which “then” do you mean?

English uses “then” in several ways, and ASL does not necessarily express all of them with the same sign. Identify your meaning first, because it changes the answer.

• Sequence (“We ate, then we left”): this is the meaning the L-hand sign in this guide covers.
• A point in time (“Back then,” “I lived there then”): this is usually expressed with time signs or context rather than the sequence sign. Look up the full phrase you need.
• Conditional (“If it rains, then we stay inside”): ASL commonly marks the “if” part with raised eyebrows and a brief pause before the result. A separate sign for “then” may not be needed. Check with a fluent signer for your specific sentence.
• “In that case” or “so”: this is often carried by context or a different sign, depending on the sentence.

Step by step: signing “then” as “next”

• 1. Identify your dominant hand, usually the hand you write with. It makes the movement. Your other hand stays still.
• 2. Raise your non-dominant hand in front of your chest. Form an L: extend the thumb and index finger and curl the other fingers in. Match the palm direction shown in your reference video, since descriptions vary.
• 3. Extend the index finger of your dominant hand and curl the rest of that hand's fingers.
• 4. Place the dominant index fingertip at or near the tip of the non-dominant thumb.
• 5. Move the dominant index finger in a short arc to the tip of the non-dominant index finger.
• 6. Keep the movement small and controlled, and compare it with your reference to see whether it is shown as one smooth move or as a touch at each point.

How to tell if you signed it correctly

Practice in front of a mirror, or record yourself with a phone or webcam and play the clip back next to a reference video. Check these points:

• The L handshape is clear: thumb and index finger are visibly extended and the other fingers are tucked.
• The dominant index finger travels from the thumb tip to the index fingertip, not in the reverse direction.
• Both hands stay in front of your upper body, where a viewer can see them easily.
• The movement is about the same size and speed as in the reference.

A mirror or recording can confirm what your hands look like. It cannot confirm that your version matches local usage or that the sign reads naturally within a full sentence, especially for conditional or time-related meanings. For that, ask a Deaf signer, an ASL instructor or an ASL practice group for feedback.

Limitations to keep in mind

This guide covers ASL only. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language or Auslan, have their own vocabulary, so this sign should not be assumed to carry over. A single word also gives limited insight into how a full sentence works. ASL grammar relies on word order, facial expression and context, so learning “then” within short example sentences from a qualified source is the most reliable next step.