SMALL in sign language

How to sign "small" in American Sign Language (ASL) with variants that can convey gradient nuances of meaning.

ASL signs for "small"

Definition: Of a size that is less than normal or usual.

Pronunciation (sign description): Both flat hands apart in neutral space, palms facing each other, converge each other close.

Usage/context examples: "The house is small", "Which cup size? Hmm, small*", "a small town".

Sign description II: The movement is repeated with brisk, small motions in some contexts.

*At least for a beginner. There are other ways of signing small, medium, and large sizes of a drink along with mouth morphemes.

Pronunciation (sign description): Same as above, but the movement is once and more intense along with the mouthing "SMO", meaning so small or very small.

Usage/context examples: "Oh, the house so small."

Vocabulary

Related signs: LITTLE, TINY, SHORT, PETITE.

Opposite: BIG, LARGE.

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 SMALL

Written ASL digit for "SMALL (very)" contributed by Todd Hicks in the ASLwrite community, 2018.

Ad-free Patron: To remove ads or/and unlock premium content, subscribe today or learn more about the features.

~~ 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.