Spell a word · 5 letters

How to spell YUSUF in sign language

Yusuf fingerspelled in ASL is 5 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 YY
ASL handshape for the letter UU
ASL handshape for the letter SS
ASL handshape for the letter UU
ASL handshape for the letter FF

Letter by letter

  1. Y Thumb and pinky extended outward to opposite sides; index, middle, and ring fingers curled into the palm.
  2. U Index and middle fingers extended straight up and held tightly together; thumb holds ring and pinky down.
  3. S A closed fist with the thumb wrapped across the front of all curled fingers.
  4. U Index and middle fingers extended straight up and held tightly together; thumb holds ring and pinky down.
  5. F Thumb and index fingertip touch to form a circle; middle, ring, and pinky extended upward and slightly spread.

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.