How to Sign Again in Sign Language
Learn how to sign 'again' in ASL. Arc your bent dominant hand over and tap its fingertips into your open non-dominant palm. Step-by-step guide and tips.
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Quick answer
To sign 'again' (or 'repeat') in ASL, hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm up, then arc your bent dominant hand over and tap its fingertips into the center of that open palm. The flipping, tapping motion represents doing something one more time.
How to Sign Again in Sign Language
“Again” is a high-frequency sign in American Sign Language (ASL), used any time you want to repeat or redo something. To make it, hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm up, then bend your dominant hand at the knuckles, arc it over, and tap its fingertips into the center of the open palm. The flipping motion that ends in the palm captures the idea of doing something one more time.
This same sign also means “repeat” and “redo.” Context tells the viewer exactly which sense you intend.
Step-by-Step: Signing Again
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Base hand | Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up. |
| 2. Handshape | Bend your dominant hand at the large knuckles. |
| 3. Start | Begin with the dominant hand turned outward. |
| 4. Movement | Arc it over so the fingertips rotate toward the palm. |
| 5. Contact | Tap the fingertips into the center of the open palm. |
A smooth arc that lands cleanly in the palm makes the sign clear.
Again vs. More: A Common Mix-Up
These two signs are both about wanting something repeated, but they are distinct.
| Sign | Handshape & Motion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Again | Bent dominant hand arcs into a flat open palm | Repeat an action |
| More | Two flattened-O hands tapping fingertips | Want an additional amount |
Use “again” for repeating an activity and “more” for asking for more of something.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the arc. The dominant hand should rotate and arc over, not just poke straight down.
- Keeping the fingers straight. Bend the dominant hand at the knuckles.
- Missing the palm. The fingertips should land in the center of the open palm.
- Confusing it with “more.” “More” uses two flattened-O hands; “again” uses a bent hand into a flat palm.
Again Across Sign Languages
The sign for “again” varies across the world’s independent sign languages.
| Sign Language | Approach |
|---|---|
| American (ASL) | Bent hand arcing into the open palm |
| British (BSL) | Uses its own distinct gesture |
| Australian (Auslan) | Related to BSL; differs from ASL |
| French (LSF) | Has its own vocabulary for “again” |
Related Signs to Learn Next
“Again” pairs naturally with these everyday signs:
- MORE — two flattened-O hands tapping fingertips.
- FINISH / ALL DONE — open hands flipping outward.
- PLAY — Y handshapes shaking at the wrists.
- WANT — both palms up, curling and pulling toward the body.
- STOP — the side of one flat hand chopping into the other palm.
Because children and adults alike constantly ask to repeat things, “again” is a high-value early sign for families using baby sign language and a practical staple in everyday ASL conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'again' in ASL?
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing up. Bend your dominant hand at the knuckles, then arc it over and tap its fingertips into the middle of your open palm. The dominant hand rotates and lands in the palm, showing the idea of repeating an action.
Is 'again' the same sign as 'repeat' in ASL?
Yes. AGAIN and REPEAT use the same sign — the bent dominant hand arcing over to tap into the open non-dominant palm. Context tells you whether the signer means 'again,' 'repeat,' or 'redo,' since the gesture covers all of them.
How do you sign 'do it again' or 'one more time'?
Sign AGAIN by arcing your bent hand into your open palm. To emphasize 'one more time,' you can sign it once clearly, or add the sign for ONE or AGAIN with a slightly bigger motion. Facial expression and context convey the urgency or playfulness.
What is the difference between 'again' and 'more' in sign language?
'Again' arcs a bent dominant hand into a flat open palm to mean repeating something. 'More' brings two flattened-O hands together so the fingertips tap. 'Again' asks to repeat an action; 'more' asks for an additional amount of something.
Is 'again' a useful sign for babies and toddlers?
Yes. 'Again' is a favorite in baby sign language because children often want a song, game, or activity repeated. Toddlers may approximate it by patting one hand into the other, and that early version is normal and worth encouraging.