Mastering Common Signs in American Sign Language Quiz

Linguistics

Communication Disorders

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| Attempts: 13 | Questions: 21 | Updated: Oct 9, 2025

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1. What is the sign description for 'going' in American Sign Language?

Both hands move in a circular motion around the head.

The palm of one hand moves rapidly across the other hand.

Sign Description: Both index fingers move away from the body as they tip forward.

One index finger moves towards the body as it points downward.

The correct sign description for 'going' involves both index fingers moving away from the body as they tip forward in American Sign Language.

Explanation

The correct sign description for 'going' involves both index fingers moving away from the body as they tip forward in American Sign Language.

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About This Quiz

Mastering Common Signs In American Sign Language Quiz - Quiz

Enhance your American Sign Language skills with this interactive quiz designed to test and refine your understanding of commonly used signs. Perfect for ASL learners, this quiz offers a practical way to apply your knowledge in real-world communication scenarios, improving both comprehension and expression.

2. What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

You may optionally provide this to label your report, leaderboard, or certificate.

2. What is the sign description for the motion of shaking with the index finger held upward?

Sign Description: The index finger is held upward and shook.

The thumb is held upward and shook.

The middle finger is held upward and shook.

The pinky finger is held upward and shook.

The correct sign description involves the index finger specifically, not the thumb, pinky finger, or middle finger.

Explanation

The correct sign description involves the index finger specifically, not the thumb, pinky finger, or middle finger.

Submit

3. What is the general sign for excuse in sign language?

The sign for 'excuse' involves crossing your fingers in front of you.

The sign for 'excuse' is tapping your foot on the ground twice.

The general sign for "excuse" is made by extending your left hand, palm up. Brush your right bent-hand fingertips... The general sign for "excuse" is made by extending your left hand, palm up. Brush your right bent-hand fingertips across the left palm starting with the pinky on your right hand. Bend the large knuckles of the right hand slightly. Keep the other knuckles straight. This sign when done with a double movement means things like "excuse me." If you roll your eyes and shake your head a bit it can be used to mean, "Oh that's just an excuse." If you just use a single movement, it means things like "laid off from work," "released from a church calling," or "paroled."

The sign for 'excuse' is touching your nose with your index finger.

The correct sign for 'excuse' in sign language involves extending your left hand, palm up, and brushing your right bent-hand fingertips across the left palm starting with the pinky on your right hand.

Explanation

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4. How can you indicate time using your index finger and wrist?

The index finger taps the wrist to indicate the watch.

The index finger taps the chin to indicate the need for a clock.

The index finger points towards the sky to indicate noon.

The index finger taps the forehead to indicate confusion about time.

In American Sign Language, tapping the index finger on the wrist is used to indicate checking the time on a watch. This gesture is commonly used to show the concept of time.

Explanation

In American Sign Language, tapping the index finger on the wrist is used to indicate checking the time on a watch. This gesture is commonly used to show the concept of time.

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5. What is the sign description of an open flat hand making a circle over the heart?

Sign Description: The open flat hand makes a fist over the heart.

Sign Description: The open flat hand points to the sky.

Sign Description: The open flat hand makes a circle over the heart.

Sign Description: The open flat hand covers the mouth.

The correct sign description involves an open flat hand making a circle over the heart, symbolizing love or appreciation.

Explanation

The correct sign description involves an open flat hand making a circle over the heart, symbolizing love or appreciation.

Submit

6. What is the Sign Description for 'have' in American Sign Language?

Sign Description: Two fingers pointing towards the chest in a tapping motion.

Sign Description: Hands spread open with fingers wiggling towards the chest.

Sign Description: Both BENT CLOSED 5-hands come in towards the chest and touch it.

Sign Description: One hand making a grabbing motion towards the chest.

The correct Sign Description for the word 'have' in American Sign Language involves both BENT CLOSED 5-hands moving towards the chest and touching it.

Explanation

The correct Sign Description for the word 'have' in American Sign Language involves both BENT CLOSED 5-hands moving towards the chest and touching it.

Submit

7. What is the sign description for 'sorry' in sign language?

B. Sign Description: The C-handshape circles the stomach.

A. Sign Description: The B-handshape circles the head.

Sign Description: The A-handshape circles the heart.

C. Sign Description: The D-handshape circles the back.

The correct sign description for 'sorry' in sign language involves using the A-handshape to circle the heart, conveying a sense of regret or apology.

Explanation

The correct sign description for 'sorry' in sign language involves using the A-handshape to circle the heart, conveying a sense of regret or apology.

Submit

8. How do you sign 'uncle' in American Sign Language (ASL)?

Uncle: (incorrect) - Cross your arms over your chest and pat your shoulders.

Uncle: (incorrect) - Make a 'C' handshape and move it in a circle on your chest.

Uncle: (incorrect) - Tap your index finger twice on your forehead.

Uncle: (variation)Some people shake a "U" handshape side to side using a very small repeated movement. Again, the position is... Uncle: (variation)Some people shake a "U" handshape side to side using a very small repeated movement. Again, the position is to the side of your head, a bit higher up. (Near your ear or higher, rather than near your cheek or lower.)

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for 'uncle' involves using a 'U' handshape and shaking it side to side near your head, as opposed to tapping the forehead, making a circular motion on the chest, or crossing arms over the chest.

Explanation

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9. What is the sign description for 'for'?

Example Sentence: I went to the store. Sign Description: The index finger points forward and moves in a small circle.

Example Sentence: They played soccer. Sign Description: The flat hand moves downward in a patting motion.

Example Sentence: I did this for you!Sign Description: The index finger begins at the forehead and then moves outward.

Example Sentence: She opened the door. Sign Description: The hand makes a sideways 'C' shape near the ear.

The correct sign description for 'for' involves starting at the forehead and moving outward, representing the concept of doing something 'for' someone else.

Explanation

The correct sign description for 'for' involves starting at the forehead and moving outward, representing the concept of doing something 'for' someone else.

Submit

10. What is the sign description for the ASL sign 'with'?

Sign Description: Both A-handshapes come together.

One C-handshape next to another.

Two O-handshapes overlapping.

One B-handshape moving towards the other.

The correct sign description for 'with' involves both A-handshapes coming together to represent unity or connection.

Explanation

The correct sign description for 'with' involves both A-handshapes coming together to represent unity or connection.

Submit

11. What does the sign soon mean in ASL?

This version means: Extend both index fingers and circle them in opposite directions in front of the body.

This version means: Interlace the fingers of both hands and rotate them in a circular motion.

This version means: Form a 'thumbs up' sign with both hands and cross the right hand in front of the... This version means: Form a 'thumbs up' sign with both hands and cross the right hand in front of the left, as if knocking on a door.

This version also means: Place the index and middle finger of the right "H" hand on top of the index... This version also means: Place the index and middle finger of the right "H" hand on top of the index and middle fingers of the left "H" hand. Slide the right "H" hand along the index finger of the left hand toward the tip of the left index finger, then slide it back toward the large knuckle of the left index finger. Repeat the movement twice.The left hand doesn't move.

The correct answer provides a detailed description of the specific hand movements involved in producing the sign for 'soon' in American Sign Language (ASL), highlighting the uniqueness of this particular sign compared to the incorrect answers provided.

Explanation

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12. What is the sign description for 'later' in sign language?

Sign Description: The thumb of the open hand is placed against the forehead.

Sign Description: The L-handshape is held in front of the body and turned downward.

Sign Description: The hand is brought downward from the side of the head.

Sign Description: The index fingers of both hands are extended and crossed in front of the body.

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13. How do you sign 'now' in American Sign Language?

Example Sentence: Please wait a moment. Sign Description: Both hands are placed palms down and moved in a circular motion... Example Sentence: Please wait a moment. Sign Description: Both hands are placed palms down and moved in a circular motion in front of the body.

Example Sentence: I need this done now!Sign Description: Both Y-hands are pulled down away from the body simultaneously.

Example Sentence: Can you do this later? Sign Description: One hand circles in front of the body with a repeated... Example Sentence: Can you do this later? Sign Description: One hand circles in front of the body with a repeated back and forth motion.

Example Sentence: I'm not ready yet! Sign Description: Both hands are placed palms facing up, one hand taps the other... Example Sentence: I'm not ready yet! Sign Description: Both hands are placed palms facing up, one hand taps the other hand twice.

The correct sign for 'now' in American Sign Language involves both Y-hands being pulled down away from the body simultaneously. This signifies immediacy or urgency in communication.

Explanation

The correct sign for 'now' in American Sign Language involves both Y-hands being pulled down away from the body simultaneously. This signifies immediacy or urgency in communication.

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14. How can the concept of shut-down be expressed through mime?

Saying the word 'shut-down' with hand gestures

Drawing a line across the throat

Clapping your hands loudly

Much of the expression of this concept can be mimed. Suppose you are talking about shutting a drawer? ... Much of the expression of this concept can be mimed. Suppose you are talking about shutting a drawer? Just "push it in."

The concept of miming involves using gestures and body movements to convey meaning without words.

Explanation

The concept of miming involves using gestures and body movements to convey meaning without words.

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15. What is the sign description for 'tired' in American Sign Language?

Sign Description: One hand waving in front of the face with a frown.

Sign Description: Both hands crossed over the forehead in an 'X' shape.

Sign Description: Both hands on the chest, the arms move in a downward motion as the shoulders drop.

Sign Description: Both hands on the head, eyes closed, and swaying side to side.

The correct sign description for 'tired' in American Sign Language involves both hands on the chest, moving in a downward motion as the shoulders drop. This motion represents the feeling of exhaustion or fatigue.

Explanation

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16. How can sign language represent the concept of being sick?

Both hands are placed on the chest and then move in a downward motion.

One hand is placed on the forehead while the other hand makes a pressing motion on the stomach.

The thumbs are pointed towards the throat and moved in a circular motion.

The touch fingers of both hands make a twisting motion at the forehead and the stomach.

In sign language, different gestures and motions are used to represent various concepts or words. The correct answer for representing 'sick' involves a twisting motion at the forehead and the stomach. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately depict the sign for being sick.

Explanation

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17. How is the sign for 'lousy' produced in American Sign Language?

The thumb of the 3-handshape touchs the nose, then is thrown downward.

The fist of the 1-handshape taps the forehead, then drops down.

The pinky finger of the open handshape touches the nose, then is thrown downward.

The index finger of the 5-handshape touches the chin, then is flicked upwards.

In American Sign Language, signs are produced using specific handshapes, movements, and locations to convey meaning. For the sign 'lousy', the correct sequence involves the thumb of the 3-handshape touching the nose and then being thrown downward.

Explanation

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18. What is the sign description for 'look'?

Sign Description: The V-handshape pointing out, starts at the face and pushes outward.

Sign Description: The hands form binoculars in front of the eyes.

Sign Description: The hands make a circle in front of the face.

Sign Description: The index finger of the dominant hand taps the forehead.

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19. What does it mean when someone says 'Miss'?

MISS: Emotional. As in, "I miss you."

MISS: A young female child.

MISS: Title used for an unmarried woman.

MISS: To fail to hit or make contact with something.

The term 'Miss' can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In this case, the correct answer refers to the emotional feeling of longing or yearning for someone or something, as in the phrase 'I miss you.'

Explanation

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20. What is the sign description for 'some'?

Example Sentence: Can you bring me some water? Sign Description: The fingertips of one hand tap the palm of the... Example Sentence: Can you bring me some water? Sign Description: The fingertips of one hand tap the palm of the other hand.

Example Sentence: I have some friends coming over tomorrow. Sign Description: The index finger points to the side of the... Example Sentence: I have some friends coming over tomorrow. Sign Description: The index finger points to the side of the head.

Example Sentence: You only need to use part of the dough.Sign Description: The side of the hand slides down the... Example Sentence: You only need to use part of the dough.Sign Description: The side of the hand slides down the palm of the other hand.

Example Sentence: Some people like to sleep in on weekends. Sign Description: The hand moves in a circular motion in... Example Sentence: Some people like to sleep in on weekends. Sign Description: The hand moves in a circular motion in front of the chest.

For American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for 'some' involves sliding the side of the hand down the palm of the other hand to depict 'part' or 'portion' of something.

Explanation

For American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for 'some' involves sliding the side of the hand down the palm of the other hand to depict 'part' or 'portion' of something.

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21. What is the sign for number?

Example Sentence: The number of students in the class is 20. Sign Description: Point to the top of your head... Example Sentence: The number of students in the class is 20. Sign Description: Point to the top of your head then make a downward movement with your hand.

Example Sentence: Tell me your telephone number. Sign Description: Both hands with flattened O-handshapes touch, move apart, twist and touch again.

Example Sentence: Can you write down this number for me? Sign Description: Make a writing motion in the air with... Example Sentence: Can you write down this number for me? Sign Description: Make a writing motion in the air with your finger.

Example Sentence: I need to memorize this number. Sign Description: Point to your forehead with your index finger.

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