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How To Sign NO
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "NO" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand with index and middle fingers extended, then snap them down onto your thumb in a quick, decisive motion.
📖 Word definition
Used to give a negative response; not in any degree; not at all; expressing refusal, denial, or disagreement.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand with index and middle fingers extended, thumb out.
  2. Starting Position: Hand raised at shoulder level, fingers pointing upward.
  3. Movement: Quick snapping motion bringing index and middle fingers down to touch thumb.
  4. Path: Fingers move in a sharp downward arc to meet the thumb.
  5. Hand Orientation: Palm faces toward the person you're communicating with.
  6. Facial Expression: Firm, decisive expression with slight head shake for emphasis.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Too slow: Movement should be quick and decisive, not gradual.

❌ Wrong fingers: Use index and middle fingers, not all fingers.

❌ Weak contact: Fingers should make clear contact with thumb.

❌ Wrong position: Keep hand at shoulder level, not too high or low.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"No, I don't want coffee."
How to sign: Sign "NO" (fingers snap to thumb) → sign "I" (point to self) → sign "DON'T" (crossed index fingers) → sign "WANT" (claw hands pull toward body) → sign "COFFEE" (grinding motion with fists).
"No homework today."
How to sign: Sign "NO" → sign "HOMEWORK" (H hand on palm, then work motion) → sign "TODAY" (Y hands move down from shoulders).
"The answer is no."
How to sign: Sign "ANSWER" (index fingers point out from mouth and chin) → sign "IS" (I hand moves forward) → sign "NO" (decisive finger snap to thumb).