ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "WHY" in American Sign Language (ASL), place your dominant hand near your forehead with fingers spread, then bring it down while closing into a "Y" handshape, representing the questioning nature of seeking reasons.
📖 Word definition
For what reason or purpose; used to ask about the cause, reason, or purpose of something.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Start with open hand (5 handshape), end with "Y" handshape (thumb and pinky extended).
- Starting Position: Dominant hand near forehead, fingers spread and pointing up.
- Movement: Bring hand down and forward while transitioning to "Y" handshape.
- Path: Smooth downward arc from forehead area to neutral space in front of body.
- Hand Orientation: Palm faces inward initially, then turns slightly outward with "Y" shape.
- Facial Expression: Questioning expression with raised eyebrows and slightly tilted head.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong handshape: Must end in "Y" shape, not keeping fingers spread.
❌ No facial expression: Questioning expression is essential for WH-questions.
❌ Starting too low: Begin near forehead, not at chin or chest level.
❌ Too fast movement: Use deliberate motion to emphasize the questioning nature.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"Why are you late?"
How to sign: Sign "why" (hand from forehead to Y shape) → sign "you" (point to person) → sign "late" (L hand moves back over shoulder) with questioning facial expression throughout.
"Why did you choose that?"
How to sign: Sign "why" → sign "you" → sign "choose" (F handshape picks from flat hand) → sign "that" (point to object/direction) with raised eyebrows.
"I don't know why."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "don't-know" (flat hand touches forehead, then flips away) → sign "why" (forehead to Y shape) with puzzled expression.