Question

how do you sign the word go in ASL

Answer 1

Short answer: ASL usually signs "go" as a directional verb with the index finger(s) moving to show movement. There are a few common ways depending on meaning and number.

Common forms and how to make them:

- General/intransitive "go" (they go / people go)
- Both hands in the "1" handshape (index fingers extended, other fingers closed), held roughly in front of you.
- Point the index fingers forward and move them outward/forward away from your body together.
- Use neutral or assertive facial expression.

- "Go to (a place)" or "go to someone"
- If you’ve set up a location in the signing space for the place/person, move your dominant index finger from your body toward that location.
- To show direction between two places, move your index finger from the location of A to the location of B.
- Example: I go to school = point to location for SCHOOL (or sign SCHOOL), then move dominant index finger from yourself toward that location.

- Imperative "Go!" / "Leave"
- A sharper, more forceful movement of the index finger away from your body or a quick single-handed thrust can show a command. Context and facial expression make it clear it’s an order.
- Note: some people use the sign LEAVE for “leave,” which is a different sign.

- "Let’s go"
- Often signed by using LET’S (flat B hands brushing toward each other in front of the chest) or by signing GO with both index fingers and an inclusive facial/body cue.

Tips:
- ASL relies on space and movement; the direction of the sign can show who is going to whom or from where to where.
- Non-manual signals (facial expression, head/body tilt) carry grammatical meaning—use them.
- Best learned by watching native signers or video demonstrations. Good online resources: Lifeprint (Bill Vicars), ASLPro, and Deaf community videos.

If you want, tell me which context you mean (e.g., “I go to the store,” “Go!” to someone, “Let’s go”), and I’ll give step-by-step instructions or point to a short video example.