4 in ASL
Quick answer: The sign for 4 in ASL is made by extending the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky while keeping the thumb tucked in. It represents the number four.
How to Sign 4 in ASL
To sign 4, hold up your dominant hand with the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers extended. Keep the thumb tucked into the palm. The sign is usually held still in neutral signing space.
For basic ASL counting, the palm for numbers 1–5 often faces inward toward the signer. In some contexts, such as showing a number to someone, the palm may face outward.
| Dominant Handshape | 4-hand with index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers extended; thumb tucked |
|---|---|
| Non-Dominant Handshape | Not used |
| Location | Neutral signing space in front of the body |
| Palm Orientation | Usually palm inward for basic counting; may face outward when showing the number |
| Movement | No movement; hold the number clearly |
| Non-Manual Markers | Neutral expression |
When to Use This Sign
Use 4 when counting, giving quantities, talking about four people or things, using numbers in time, age, money, measurements, addresses, or building larger number concepts.
- counting objects
- giving a quantity
- talking about four people or things
- using numbers with time or money
- building number fluency in ASL
Four is simple, but keeping the thumb tucked is what makes the handshape clear.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the thumb stick out
- Confusing the number 4 with the number 5
- Bending the fingers instead of keeping them clearly extended
- Rotating the palm the wrong way for the context
- Moving the hand when the number should stay still
Example Sentences
ASL gloss: BOOK I HAVE FOUR
English: I have four books.
ASL gloss: FOUR PEOPLE ARRIVE
English: Four people arrived.
ASL gloss: DOG I HAVE FOUR
English: I have four dogs.
Responses