Learning American Sign Language (ASL) numbers is an essential first step in communicating with the Deaf community. memorizing ASL numbers 1-30 can help build a strong foundation for further ASL learning. This post provides a printable ASL numbers 1-30 guide, along with examples and tips to enhance your learning experience.
ASL numbers can vary slightly depending on regional usage and individual signs. However, this guide focuses on the most common and widely recognized ASL numbers 1-30. Before diving in, familiarize yourself with ASL's one-hand and two-hand numbering systems to better understand the format.
ASL One-Hand Numbers (1-5)
The ASL one-hand numbers system uses the thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers to represent numbers 1 through 5. Each finger corresponds to its respective number:
- Thumb (1): Bring your thumb close to your chest with the other fingers extended.
- Index (2): Bend your index finger towards your palm, keeping the other fingers extended.
- Middle (3): Bend your middle finger, keeping the other fingers extended.
- Ring (4): Bend your ring finger, keeping the other fingers extended.
- Pinky (5): Extend your thumb and pinky fingers, while keeping the other fingers bent.
Signing One-Hand Numbers in Context
To demonstrate a quantity, you can use one-hand numbers in combination with classifiers. For example, to sign "two dogs," you would use the ASL number 2 (bend your index finger) and a dog classifier (a small, claw-like movement with your extended middle finger near your chin).
You can also use one-hand numbers to represent a person or people. For instance, "three people are coming" can be signed by using the ASL number 3 (bend your middle finger) and a person classifier (a vertical, falling movement with your open hand as if something is dropping from your palm).
ASL Two-Hand Numbers (6-30)
ASL two-hand numbers use both hands to represent numbers 6 through 30. Each number has a unique shape formed by bending specific fingers on both hands. Practicing these numbers will help you build muscle memory and improve your signing speed and fluency.
ASL Numbers 6-10
ASL numbers 6-10 are made by combining the one-hand numbers with the ASL number 5 (thumb and pinky extended, other fingers bent). To sign 7, for example, you would use the ASL number 2 with your dominant hand (bend your index finger) and the ASL number 5 with your non-dominant hand.
- 6: ASL number 1 (thumb) with ASL number 5 (dominant hand pinky).
- 7: ASL number 2 (index) with ASL number 5 (dominant hand pinky).
- 8: ASL number 3 (middle) with ASL number 5 (dominant hand pinky).
- 9: ASL number 4 (ring) with ASL number 5 (dominant hand pinky).
- 10: ASL number 5 (thumb and pinky extended) with ASL number 5 (dominant hand pinky).
ASL Numbers 11-30
ASL numbers 11-30 combine one-hand numbers with ASL numbers 10 and 15. To sign numbers 20, 25, or 30, you would primarily use the ASL number 2 with ASL number 10, ASL number 15, or both, respectively.
- 11-15: Add ASL number 1 (thumb) to ASL numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 in sequence.
- 16-20: Add ASL number 2 (index) to ASL numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 in sequence.
- 21-25: Add ASL number 2 (index) to ASL numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 with ASL number 5 (dominant hand pinky).
- 26-30: Add ASL number 2 (index) to ASL numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 with ASL number 15 (dominant hand thumb and index bent, other fingers extended).
Practice signing ASL numbers 1-30 regularly and try incorporating them into ASL sentences and conversations to reinforce your learning. Keep refining your signs, and don't hesitate to seek feedback from native ASL users or experienced interpreters to ensure you're using correct and clear signs.
Download our free printable ASL numbers 1-30 guide to keep practicing on-the-go. Happy signing!