Sign Language for help: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you’re starting your journey into sign language, one of the most practical and powerful words you can learn early is “help.” Whether you’re communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, learning American Sign Language (ASL) for educational purposes, or simply interested in expanding your skills, the sign for “help” is simple, meaningful, and widely used.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to sign help correctly, cover variations based on context, explain common mistakes, and offer tips for practice.

Why Sign Language for help is Important

“Help” is one of the most fundamental words in any language. In ASL, learning this sign equips you to:

• Offer assistance.
• Ask for support.
• Communicate in emergencies.
• Express care and concern.

Whether you’re speaking with a friend, a family member, or someone you just met, knowing how to sign help opens the door to effective, compassionate communication.

The ASL Sign for “Help” — Step-by-Step Instructions

The sign for “help” in American Sign Language visually mimics the idea of lifting or assisting, which makes it easy to remember.

1. Handshapes

• Dominant Hand: Make the “A” handshape. This means you form a closed fist with your thumb extended upwards (like a thumbs-up gesture).
• Non-Dominant Hand: Keep your hand flat and open, with the palm facing upward. Think of this hand as a platform or table.

2. Hand Placement

• Position your non-dominant flat hand at about chest level.
• Place your dominant “A” hand (thumbs-up) directly on top of the flat palm.

3. Movement

• Move both hands slightly upward in a smooth, controlled motion.
• You’re symbolically lifting or offering assistance.

4. Directionality

In American Sign Language (ASL), “help” is a directional verb. The direction of your movement can change the meaning:

• Move toward the other person and say, “I will help you.”
• Move toward yourself: “Can you help me?”
• Move neutrally upward: General or non-specific help.

5. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are crucial in American Sign Language (ASL) because they add context and convey emotion. For example:

• Smile gently when offering help.
• Use raised eyebrows and a questioning expression when asking for help.
• Use urgency in your expression if requesting immediate assistance.

Everyday Contexts for Using “Help” in ASL

SituationHow to Sign

Asking for help: Sign help towards yourself with a questioning face.

Offering help Sign help toward the listener with a reassuring expression.

Emergency help: Sign with a larger, more urgent motion and expression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning a new language, mistakes are an inevitable part of the process. However, here are some tips to ensure accuracy:

• Don’t confuse the “A” handshape with a flat hand or fist without the thumb extended.
• Keep your non-dominant hand flat and steady.
• Don’t exaggerate the upward motion; a small, controlled lift is correct.
• Always incorporate appropriate facial expressions for the whole meaning.
• Avoid signing too fast — clarity is more important than speed.

Video Demonstrations and Practice

Since American Sign Language (ASL) is highly visual, watching video demonstrations is extremely helpful. Some trusted resources include:

• ASL University (Lifeprint.com)
• Signing Savvy
• Bill Vicar’s YouTube Channel

Spend time watching native signers demonstrate “help” and practice along with them to build muscle memory.

Variations in Other Sign Languages

While this guide focuses on American Sign Language (ASL), it’s helpful to know that other sign languages use slightly different methods for “help.”

British Sign Language (BSL)

• In BSL, one standard version of “help” involves miming a supportive or lifting action with both hands, symbolizing support or assistance.
• The sign may vary depending on region and dialect.

Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

• Similar to BSL, Auslan may use lifting or supporting hand gestures to convey the concept of help.
• As with BSL, variation exists depending on the region.

International Sign (IS)

• It often uses a simplified version resembling the ASL sign, but context and gestures may vary depending on the audience.

Tips for Practicing “Help” in Sign Language

• Practice daily: Repetition builds muscle memory.
• Use a mirror: Ensure your hand shape and movement are accurate.
• Sign with friends or online communities: Practice with native or fluent sign language users.
• Record yourself: Compare your signing to instructional videos for self-correction.
• Learn related signs: Expand your vocabulary by learning signs like “need,” “please,” “thank you,” and “emergency.”

Final Thoughts

The sign for help is not only helpful but deeply symbolic — it represents connection, assistance, and care. Mastering this sign is a meaningful first step on your journey into American Sign Language or any signed language.

Whether you’re learning for personal, educational, or professional reasons, every sign you learn helps build bridges of communication and understanding.