FIRST in sign language

The ASL signword "first" can be expressed in several ways in American Sign Language.

ASL signs for "first"

The first two signs or videos are used in different contexts. They are not interchangeable in some contexts, yet they may be interchangeable in other few contexts.

Meaning: Being before all others with respect to time, order, rank, importance, earliest, etc., used as the ordinal number of one; 1st.

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant index finger swings toward the thumb of the non-dominant "10" or thumb-up hand where the upper finger stops at the upper thumb of the passive hand.

Usage/context examples: "the first time I met him", ""

Contextual variation.

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant upright forefinger twists in neutral space where the palm orientation ends in front of the signer.

Usage/context examples: "I met him for the first time, never before", "Is she your second kid? No, it's my first child."

Meaning (first place): In the first place in sports, competitions, contests, etc.

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant horizontal index finger with palm toward the signer briskly moves backward.

Usage example: "the first prize goes to Leroy, the second prize goes to Barbara..."

Related signs

Related signs: FIRSTLY, FIRST.

Opposite: LAST.

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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.