ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "When" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a "1" handshape (index finger extended) and make a circular motion around your non-dominant hand's index finger, representing the concept of time and asking about a specific point in time.
📖 Word definition
At what time; at the time that; during the time that; used to ask about or refer to the time at which something happens or happened.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended), non-dominant hand also in "1" handshape.
- Starting Position: Non-dominant hand held steady with index finger pointing up, dominant hand positioned near it.
- Movement: Dominant hand's index finger circles around the non-dominant hand's index finger.
- Path: Complete circular motion, clockwise direction preferred.
- Hand Orientation: Both index fingers remain extended throughout the sign.
- Facial Expression: Questioning expression with raised eyebrows when asking "when."
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong handshape: Use index finger only, not pointing with whole hand.
❌ Incomplete circle: Make full circular motion, not partial arc.
❌ Both hands moving: Keep non-dominant hand stationary as reference point.
❌ Missing facial expression: Include questioning expression when asking "when."
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"When will you arrive?"
How to sign: Sign "when" (circular motion around index finger) → sign "will" (flat hand moves forward) → sign "you" (point to person) → sign "arrive" (flat hand lands on other palm).
"When I was young..."
How to sign: Sign "when" → sign "I" (point to self) → sign "was" (W hand moves back) → sign "young" (fingertips brush up chest twice).
"When is the meeting?"
How to sign: Sign "when" (with questioning expression) → sign "meeting" (flat hands come together) → add questioning facial expression throughout.