Signs for H

Definition: The eighth letter of the English alphabet, a consonant.

Previous letter: G and next letter I.

Fingerspelling exercises

For those of you ASL beginners, it's an opportunity for you to practice your receptive practice in fingerspelling. Otherwise, enjoy the video.

The bilingual kindergarten Juli is doing her homework with her bilingual ASL-speaking mother. Juli's learning how to write the English words that start with "H" but both gals are talking in ASL (American Sign Language).

ASL Handshape H/U

Asides from the English letter H, let's brainstorm what ASL words that start with the handshape H/U (with the thumb closed)?

HARD-OF-HEARING, HARRY-POTTER, HOLY, HONEST, NAME, NURSE, KNIFE, SHORT (variation), SIT, SOON (regional variation)

Note that many other signs start with the handshape H with open thumb, such as BUTTER, HOSPITAL, FUNNY, CUTE, etc.

Some ASL signs with the handshape H can do with either closed or open thumb (phonological variation), such as NORMAL, NATURAL.

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.]

How to write ASL for letter H

Written ASL digit for the alphabetical letter H. [Contributed by ASLwrite, 2019]

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~~ Feeling lucky? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Random word ~~

Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.