Spell a word · 4 letters

How to spell XIAO in sign language

Xiao fingerspelled in ASL is 4 handshapes, signed one after another with the palm facing out. Hold each for a beat and keep the hand in one place; the letters carry the word, not the movement.

ASL handshape for the letter XX
ASL handshape for the letter II
ASL handshape for the letter AA
ASL handshape for the letter OO

Letter by letter

  1. X Index finger extended and bent into a hook at the knuckle; other fingers curled into a fist with the thumb alongside.
  2. I Pinky extended upward; index, middle, and ring fingers curled into a fist with the thumb resting across them.
  3. A A closed fist with the thumb resting upright against the side of the index finger.
  4. O All fingertips curved forward to touch the tip of the thumb, forming a closed O circle.

Fingerspelling is how ASL handles names, places, brands and words without a sign of their own. Many everyday words do have a sign, so if you are learning ASL as a language, learn that sign too; this page shows how the word is spelled with the manual alphabet.