Visit in Sign Language: How to Sign It in ASL

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign most commonly taught for “visit” uses both hands in a V handshape: index and middle fingers extended and slightly apart, the other fingers folded down with the thumb. Hold both V hands upright in front of your chest or shoulders with your palms facing you. Then move the hands in small alternating circles, so that as one hand moves forward the other moves back.

Which sign language matters. There is no universal sign language. This guide covers ASL, the main sign language in the United States and English-speaking Canada. British Sign Language, Russian Sign Language and other sign languages have their own signs for “visit,” and the ASL sign may not be understood in those communities. If you are signing with someone who uses a different sign language, check the sign in that language.

Step by step

• 1. Make a V with each hand: extend the index and middle fingers, spread them slightly, and fold the ring and little fingers under the thumb.
• 2. Turn both palms toward your body, fingers pointing up.
• 3. Hold the hands a little apart, roughly at chest-to-shoulder height.
• 4. Move each hand in a small vertical circle, forward and away from you, then down and back.
• 5. Alternate the hands so they are out of step, like pedaling a bicycle with your hands.
• 6. Make two or three relaxed circles. Large, fast or stiff movements are not needed.

How to check your sign

• Handshape: both hands show a clear V, not a single finger or an open hand.
• Palm orientation: palms face you, not the person you are signing to.
• Movement: the circles alternate rather than moving together.
• Location: the hands stay in front of your upper body, not near your face or waist.

Written descriptions cannot show movement precisely, and this guide does not include video or a source reference for the sign. To confirm it, compare your sign against a video entry in a reputable ASL dictionary or ask a fluent Deaf signer or ASL instructor. Signs can vary by region and community, so you may see a variant that is also correct.

Using the sign in context

ASL grammar relies on facial expression as well as the hands. For a yes/no question such as “Are you visiting?”, signers typically raise their eyebrows while signing. For a wh-question such as “When will you visit?”, the brows are usually drawn together. If you are unsure of a sign, you can fingerspell the word V-I-S-I-T. That is understandable, but it is slower than the sign.

Showing the sign clearly on a video call

If you are practicing or signing over video, a working camera is not enough. The other person must be able to see your hands clearly in the picture they receive. Check each of these separately:
• Camera access: the browser or app has permission to use the camera.
• Video capture: your self-view shows a live image.
• Call quality: the movement reaches the other person without freezing or blurring.

• Turn on self-view and sign “visit” once to confirm both hands stay fully in frame during the circular movement. Framing from the top of your head to about your waist usually leaves room.
• Light your hands and face from the front so the V handshapes and your expression are visible.
• A plain physical background in a color that contrasts with your skin and clothing makes handshapes easier to read.
• Virtual call backgrounds and blur effects can sometimes clip or smear moving hands and fingers. If your self-view shows this, turn the effect off and use a physical background instead.
• If the other person reports freezing or blur, the cause is likely connection or call quality, not your camera. Ask them whether the movement looked smooth.

Limitations of this guide

No specific source material was available for this guide. The description reflects the commonly taught ASL form, not a verified dictionary entry or video. Confirm it with a fluent signer or a trusted ASL reference, especially if you need the sign for a particular community or a sign language other than ASL.