How to Sign the Letter R in Sign Language
Learn how to sign the letter R in ASL. Cross your index finger over your middle finger and hold them up, palm facing outward.
Published · 2 min read · Free · No sign-up
Quick answer
To sign the letter R in ASL, hold up your index and middle fingers and cross them — the index finger wraps over the middle finger. Keep the other fingers curled and your palm facing outward. The crossed fingers are what define the letter R.
How to Sign the Letter R in Sign Language
The letter R is part of the American Sign Language (ASL) manual alphabet used for fingerspelling. To make it, hold up your index and middle fingers and cross them so the index finger wraps over the middle finger. Curl your ring and pinky fingers down, hold your thumb against them, and keep your palm facing outward toward the viewer.
If you have ever “crossed your fingers” for good luck, you already know the R handshape — it is essentially that gesture held upright.
Step-by-Step: Forming the R Handshape
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Hand position | Raise your dominant hand to about shoulder height. |
| 2. Extend | Point your index and middle fingers up. |
| 3. Cross | Wrap the index finger over the middle finger. |
| 4. Curl | Tuck the ring and pinky fingers into the palm. |
| 5. Orientation | Face your palm outward. |
Hold the crossed shape steady so the twist is clearly visible.
R vs. U: Telling Them Apart
R and U both raise the first two fingers, so the difference is whether they cross.
| Feature | Letter U | Letter R |
|---|---|---|
| Fingers | Index + middle up | Index + middle up |
| Position | Held together, parallel | Crossed, index over middle |
| Look | Two straight fingers | Twisted/crossed fingers |
Parallel fingers make U; crossing them makes R.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Holding the fingers parallel. That makes U, not R — the fingers must cross.
- Crossing too loosely. The fingers should genuinely twist around each other.
- Letting extra fingers pop up. Keep the ring and pinky curled.
- Turning the palm inward. R reads clearest with the palm facing the viewer.
Practice Tips for Fingerspelling R
Learn R inside short, common words rather than in isolation:
- RUN — R, U, N
- CAR — C, A, R
- RED — R, E, D
- RAIN — R, A, I, N
Spell slowly at first, keeping your hand in one steady spot near your shoulder and changing only your finger position between letters.
Where the Letter R Fits in the ASL Alphabet
R sits in a group of letters built from the upright index and middle fingers, alongside U (fingers together), V (fingers spread), and W-style shapes. The crossing motion gives R a memorable, distinct look that stands apart from these neighbors. Because it mirrors the everyday “fingers crossed” gesture, R is one of the friendliest letters for beginners and a reliable anchor as you build smooth, accurate fingerspelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign the letter R in ASL?
Raise your index and middle fingers, then cross them so the index finger wraps over the middle finger. Curl your ring and pinky fingers down and hold your thumb against them. Face your palm outward. The crossed first two fingers form the letter R.
What is the difference between R and U in sign language?
Both letters extend the index and middle fingers upward, but U holds the two fingers together side by side, while R crosses them so the index wraps over the middle finger. Whether the fingers are parallel (U) or crossed (R) is the key difference.
Which finger goes on top when signing R?
The index finger crosses over the top of the middle finger. The two fingers twist around each other, with the index in front, creating the distinctive crossed look of the letter R.
Is the letter R like crossing your fingers for luck?
Yes, the R handshape looks very much like the common 'fingers crossed for luck' gesture — index over middle finger. That familiar shape makes R one of the easier ASL letters to remember.
How do I practice fingerspelling the letter R?
Drill R inside short words such as RUN, CAR, or RED, holding the crossed-finger shape briefly each time. Keep your hand steady near your shoulder and change only your finger position between letters.