Signs for ASK

"How do you say 'ask' in American Sign Language?"

Definition: To put a question to; request an answer (from).

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant upright forefinger in space with palm facing out moves slightly forward while the index finger transforms into the "X" handshape or clawed forefinger.

In ASL grammar, this ASL verb can be inflected in agreement with the subject, object, or pronoun in a sentence.

Usage examples: Generally, you can use it pretty much in most contexts.

Informal register; colloquial form used by native and fluent Deaf signers. For beginners or learners, use the formal citation above instead.

Usage example in ASL glossed as: "WELL, DUNNO. ASK-hir. SEE WHAT SHE/HE SAY."

Meaning: to request (someone) to do or give something.

Same sign for REQUEST.

Verb inflection

In grammar, the verb ASK is usually inflected to agree with subject/object/pronoun in a sentence. To learn about verb agreement, see some inflected verb ASK below.

Verb inflection: ASK-ME.

Verb inflection. IX-ASK-ME. She/he asks me.

Vocabulary

Related signs: QUESTION, QUERY, REQUEST, DEMAND, ask around.

Usage/Grammar

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Written ASL

[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

ASL written for ASK

Written ASL digit for "ASK". Contributed by the ASLwrite community, 2018.

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