How to say “I love you” in ASL
I-LOVE-YOUOne signI handshapeL handshapeY handshape
- I-LOVE-YOU: Raise your thumb, index finger and little finger, keep the middle and ring fingers folded down, and hold the hand up with the palm facing the person.
The I-LOVE-YOU handshape combines three letters of the fingerspelling alphabet: the little finger of I, the index finger and thumb of L, and the thumb and little finger of Y. It is one of the best-known signs, and people use it to sign goodbye to family and friends as well.
A written description can't show movement and expression the way a signer can, and signs vary by region. Learn signs from Deaf teachers and signers; this site checks fingerspelling, the handshapes of the alphabet.
The handshapes in it
Now sign it yourself
Sign I, L and Y, the three letters the handshape is made from. Turn on your camera and it checks your handshape as you go. The video stays on your device.
Remember it, don't just copy it
Fingerspelling is how ASL handles names and words without their own sign. ASL a Day brings it back tomorrow to sign from memory, then again just before you'd forget. Five minutes a day.
Practice Letters G–L daily