How to sign "why" in ASL
How to Sign "Why"
“Why” is signed by touching your forehead with your dominant hand and then pulling it away into a “Y” shape:
- Start with an open hand, fingers touching your forehead.
- Pull your hand slightly away while lowering the other fingers, leaving thumb and pinky extended (Y-handshape).
Tips
- It looks like you're pulling the question “why” from your head — very symbolic.
- The motion should be smooth and natural, not jerky.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to use the “Y” handshape at the end.
- Pulling too far from the forehead — it’s a small, subtle motion.
Think: “Why comes from thought.”