Filter words: Enter a keyword in the 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 parial word to see variations of the word.
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 the first few letters in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.Don't forget to click back to "All" when you search another word.
If you cannot find a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Practice your alphabetical index skill or do eye-sharpening. :)
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).
Grammar: 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. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the ASL Learn section. ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences.
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.
Variations: Some ASL signs have regional (and generational) variations across North America. Common variations are included, but specifically local variations are not included. Interact with your local community to learn their variations.
Inflection: Many ASL words, especially verbs, in the dictionary are a "base"; be aware that many of them are grammatically inflectable within ASL sentences.
Contextual meaning: Some ASL signs in the dictionary may not mean the same in different contexts and/or ASL sentences. You will see some examples in video sentences.
ASL is very much alive and indefinitely constructable as any spoken language. The best way to use ASL right is to immerse in daily interactions with Deaf/Ameslan people (or ASLians).
