Vocabulary review for:
The English word little doesn't fit one translation for all nuances of meanings in American Sign Language. Something small, brief, young, or unimportant can be described as little in English. Use some of ASL synonyms in contexts.
Here are some possible ASL signs/words. A lot, I know. The best way to learn a signed language is through socializing or interacting, acquiring the language, and learning over years through contexts and meanings along with culture and history, just like any spoken foreign language. Just a little reminder.
Definition for "little": small in size, amount, or degree.
Pronunciation (sign description): Two flat hands apart in neutral space, palms facing each other, briskly move each other close twice. Sign from SMALL.
Usage/context example: "live in a little cottage", "in a little box", "a little room".
Phonological variation very little used in ASL: Same as above except for the handshape which is "L" -- same orientation of the palms.
Definition for "little": a small amount of; to a small extent.
Pronunciation (sign description): Thumb of dominant European-T handshape in neutral space flicks a couple of times.
Usage/context example: "we got a little help from my brother" [ASL translation glossed as "MY BROTHER HELP-us LITTLE"], "she reminded me a little of my sister", "The old man gave a little smile", "upset a little", "a little better".
Phonological variation (sign description): Same as above, except for one movement.
Usage/context example: "my family has little doubt of our pet's identity".
Also meaning FEW in contexts or English translations.
Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant "G" handshape held in space with small motion.
Usage/context example: "stay for a little while".
Learner tip: This sign may have multiple English translations in contexts, such as "small", "tiny", "a little bit", "a bit".
Definition for "little": a short time or distance.
Pronunciation (sign description): Sign from SHORT.
Usage/context example: "the rain stopped after a little" (ASL translation glossed as "RAIN/\ FINISH+STOP, SHORT"), "It'll take a little while to clear up the table".
Definition: young.
Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant bent hand in right-sided space if right-handed, palm down, moves down a little.
Usage/context example: "my little brother/sister", "when you were little, ...".
Learner tip: Be aware of this similar sign for "SHORT" as in short height in other contexts.
Definition: not much or enough.
Pronunciation (sign description): Use ASL words "NOT" + "MUCH".
Examples of English sentences: "have very little money" (ASL glossed as "MONEY/\ NOT HAVE MUCH"), "there's so little choice".
A few of some miscellanies give you an idea of some other contexts or meanings.
"Sometimes little things count the most." Use the "G" handshape as described above, but it's reduplicated for plural in ASL.
"Can I have a little word with you?" "A little word" means a short discussion about something not very important. It can be expressed in ASL glossed as "SHORT TALK(var) NO-BIGGIE".
little by little meaning: slowly or gradually; by tiny increments.
Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant horizontal "G", palm facing outward, reduplicate a few times, with intonation.
Also other variations, depending on the contexts or meanings.
Review 101 words. Refresher.