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How To Sign TELL
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "TELL" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a "1" handshape starting at your chin, then move it forward toward the person you're telling something to, representing the transfer of information from yourself to another person.
📖 Word definition
To communicate information, facts, or instructions to someone; to give an account or relate a story.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended, other fingers closed).
  2. Starting Position: Index finger touches or points near your chin/mouth area.
  3. Movement: Move hand forward in a straight line toward the person you're addressing.
  4. Path: Direct forward motion from self to the recipient of information.
  5. Hand Orientation: Finger points forward throughout the movement.
  6. Facial Expression: Engaged and communicative, making eye contact with recipient.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong starting position: Start at chin/mouth, not forehead or chest.

❌ Curved movement: Use straight forward motion, not arc or wave.

❌ Wrong handshape: Use "1" handshape, not pointing with whole hand.

❌ No direction: Always move toward the person you're telling something to.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I tell you the truth."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "tell" (1 hand from chin forward to you) → sign "you" (point to person) → sign "truth" (1 hand slides forward from lips).
"Tell me your name."
How to sign: Sign "tell" (1 hand from chin toward self) → sign "me" (point to self) → sign "your" (flat hand toward person) → sign "name" (H hands tap together).
"She told a story."
How to sign: Sign "she" (point to third person) → sign "tell" (1 hand from chin forward) → sign "story" (F hands open alternately like pages of a book).