How to Sign “Can” in Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the verb “can,” meaning “be able to,” is commonly signed with both hands. Make two fists with your palms facing down and hold them in front of your body at about chest height. Then move both fists downward together in one short, firm motion. The firmness of the movement carries the sense of ability or possibility.

This description covers the ASL sign only. If you need another sign language, such as Russian Sign Language or British Sign Language, check a dictionary for that language. Sign languages are separate languages, and one English word can have a completely different sign in each.

Which “can” do you mean?

English uses one spelling for several meanings. ASL does not share one sign across them, so choose the sign that matches your meaning:

• Can (able to, possible): the two-fist downward movement described above.
• Can't (cannot): a different sign. One index finger strikes down past the other index finger. It is not the CAN sign with a head shake added.
• Can (a container, such as a soda can or tin can): an unrelated noun sign. This guide does not describe it, so look it up in an ASL dictionary or ask a fluent signer.

Step by step

• 1. Make a fist with each hand. Wrap your thumb across the front of your fingers. This handshape is called an S handshape.
• 2. Turn both palms to face the floor.
• 3. Hold your fists side by side in front of your chest. Leave a small gap between them.
• 4. Move both fists straight down a short distance at the same time, then stop crisply.
• 5. Match your facial expression to the sentence. For a yes/no question such as “Can you come?”, ASL usually raises the eyebrows.

Signers vary. Some use a single movement and some repeat it. Regional and personal styles also differ. If you are learning for a particular person or community, ask them how they sign it.

How to check your sign

Recording yourself is a simple way to compare your sign with a reference video. Check that both hands move together, that your palms face down, and that the motion stops sharply instead of drifting. A recording can only show your own form. It cannot confirm whether a fluent signer would read the sign as natural, so get feedback from a teacher or Deaf signer whenever you can.

Signing on a video call

CAN is signed in front of the chest, so a close, face-only crop can cut it off. Before you sign on a call, open your camera preview. Seeing your image there means the camera is working. It does not tell you how clearly the other person will see your hands once the call connects.

• Framing: keep your head, shoulders and the space in front of your chest in view, with some room on each side for your hands.
• Lighting: light your face and hands from the front. A bright window behind you can turn your hands into silhouettes.
• Background: a plain physical background that contrasts with your skin and clothing makes handshapes easier to see. Virtual or blurred background effects can sometimes cut off or smear moving hands, so test them before relying on them.
• Motion clarity: a weak connection or low frame rate can blur fast movements. If the other person misreads signs, try turning off video effects, moving closer to your router or using a wired connection, and signing at a steady pace.

Limits of this guide

No reference videos, dictionary entries or test results were provided for this article. The sign description reflects common ASL usage. It does not replace a video from a recognized ASL dictionary or instruction from a qualified teacher. The sign for “can” as a container, and the signs in sign languages other than ASL, are not covered here.