How to Sign "Too" in American Sign Language

The short answer

There is no single sign for "too." American Sign Language (ASL) translates meaning, not English spelling, so the sign you need depends on what "too" means in your sentence. If you mean "also" ("I'm coming too"), the common sign is ALSO. If you mean "same as you" ("Me too!"), signers often use a Y-handshape sign that points to the similarity between two people. If you mean "excessively" ("too hot," "too much"), you need a different sign or facial expression altogether. The homophones "to" and "two" are separate words with their own signs.

This guide covers ASL as used in the US. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, use different signs.

"Too" meaning "also": the ALSO sign

• 1. Extend the index finger on each hand, with the other fingers curled in.
• 2. Point both index fingers forward with your palms facing down.
• 3. Bring the sides of the two index fingers together so they touch.
• 4. Repeat the tap. Many signers move both hands slightly to one side between taps.

Check: both index fingers stay parallel and point away from you. If the fingertips meet tip to tip instead of side to side, you are closer to a different sign.

"Me too" or "same here"

• 1. Make a Y handshape: thumb and little finger extended, the middle three fingers folded down.
• 2. Hold it in front of your chest, palm down or angled toward the floor.
• 3. Move the hand back and forth between yourself and the person you are agreeing with.

Check: the movement links you and the other person, which conveys "same as you." In casual conversation, the ALSO sign combined with pointing to yourself is another common way to express "me too."

"Too" meaning excessive

For "too much" or "more than enough," many signers use a sign based on exceeding a limit. Hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm down. Rest your dominant hand on top of it, then lift the dominant hand up and away to show going past the limit. In phrases like "too hot" or "too expensive," the "too" often comes from facial expression and emphasis on the main sign rather than from a separate word. A strong expression and an intensified movement can carry the whole meaning.

How to check your signing

• Compare against a video: watch a video entry for the sign in an established ASL dictionary or course, where the handshape, movement and palm orientation are visible.
• Watch yourself: use a mirror or record yourself and compare the handshape, palm direction and movement with the reference.
• Ask a fluent signer: a Deaf signer or certified ASL instructor can confirm the sign and tell you whether it fits your context and region.

Limitations of this guide

These descriptions are based on commonly taught ASL forms. They were not checked against a specific dictionary or source for this article. ASL has regional and generational variation, and written descriptions cannot fully capture movement, rhythm or facial grammar. Use this guide as a starting point and confirm the sign with a video reference or a fluent signer before relying on it in conversation.