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How To Sign EXTRA
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "EXTRA" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in an "E" handshape and move it outward from your non-dominant hand, representing something additional or beyond the normal amount.
📖 Word definition
Additional to what is normal, expected, or necessary; more than usual; beyond the regular amount or degree.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "E" handshape (fingers curved, thumb touching fingertips), non-dominant hand flat.
  2. Starting Position: Non-dominant hand flat, palm up; dominant hand "E" shape resting on palm.
  3. Movement: Move dominant hand outward and slightly upward from the palm.
  4. Path: Short, deliberate outward motion showing addition or excess.
  5. Hand Orientation: "E" hand maintains shape throughout movement, palm facing down.
  6. Facial Expression: Slightly raised eyebrows indicating emphasis on "more than usual."

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong handshape: Use "E" shape, not "X" or other letters.

❌ No base hand: Need non-dominant hand as foundation for the movement.

❌ Too large movement: Keep motion small and controlled, not exaggerated.

❌ Wrong direction: Move outward from palm, not sideways or downward.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I need extra time."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "need" (X hand bends down) → sign "extra" (E hand moves out from palm) → sign "time" (tap wrist with index finger).
"The pizza has extra cheese."
How to sign: Sign "pizza" (P hand draws triangle) → sign "have" (fingertips to chest) → sign "extra" → sign "cheese" (palms press and twist together).
"She works extra hours."
How to sign: Sign "she" (point to person) → sign "work" (fists tap together) → sign "extra" → sign "hours" (H hand moves around clock face on palm).