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Numbers and Counting in ASL

Numbers 1 Through 10

ASL numbers 1 through 10 each have a distinct handshape and are produced near the dominant shoulder. Numbers 1 through 5 use straightforward finger counts on one hand: 1 is the index finger pointing up, 2 is index and middle extended in a V shape (but bent slightly, unlike the English 'peace' sign), 3 is the thumb, index, and middle fingers extended, 4 extends all four fingers with the thumb tucked, and 5 is a full open hand. Numbers 6 through 10 involve contact between fingers and the thumb: 6 touches the thumb to the pinky, 7 touches thumb to ring finger, 8 touches thumb to middle finger, 9 touches thumb to index finger forming a hook, and 10 has the thumb up with a small twisting shake. Accuracy matters here because in fast conversation numbers are used in contexts from money to phone numbers to ages, so misreading a 6 as a 9 causes genuine confusion. Practice by counting real objects around you while signing their quantities.

Numbers and Counting in ASL

Numbers 1 Through 10

ASL numbers 1 through 10 each have a distinct handshape and are produced near the dominant shoulder. Numbers 1 through 5 use straightforward finger counts on one hand: 1 is the index finger pointing up, 2 is index and middle extended in a V shape (but bent slightly, unlike the English 'peace' sign), 3 is the thumb, index, and middle fingers extended, 4 extends all four fingers with the thumb tucked, and 5 is a full open hand. Numbers 6 through 10 involve contact between fingers and the thumb: 6 touches the thumb to the pinky, 7 touches thumb to ring finger, 8 touches thumb to middle finger, 9 touches thumb to index finger forming a hook, and 10 has the thumb up with a small twisting shake. Accuracy matters here because in fast conversation numbers are used in contexts from money to phone numbers to ages, so misreading a 6 as a 9 causes genuine confusion. Practice by counting real objects around you while signing their quantities.