Learning how to sign different in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Different” helps toddlers sort the world into same and not-same. Two index fingers cross and then uncross. Most toddlers manage it between 16 and 20 months.
How to Sign “Different” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Extend an index finger on each hand.
- Cross them: Hold both index fingers crossed in front of your chest.
- Pull apart: Draw the fingers apart in opposite directions.
The crossing-then-parting motion is what makes “different” read clearly.
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Sorting play: “These are the same; these are different” during shape sorting.
- In books: Compare characters — “this bear is big; that bear is different.”
- At meals: “Your cup is different from mine.”
Tips for Success
- Teach “same” first since toddlers grasp sameness before difference.
- Exaggerate the pull-apart so the spatial grammar is obvious.
- Pair with a surprised face — “wait, these are different!”
Signs Related to “Different”
“Same” (two Y-hands rocking side to side) is the natural opposite, and “wrong” extends the idea of mismatch.
Categorization skills are foundational to both language and early math, making this a high-value sign around 18 months.
Learn more: National Association of the Deaf — ASL resources and advocacy from the National Association of the Deaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start teaching my baby how to sign different in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for different as early as 16–20 months. Babies understand signs before they can produce them, so start modeling it consistently and reward any attempt — even an approximation — with the item or action right away.
How long does it take for a baby to learn to sign different?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for different within two to four weeks of consistent daily modeling. Frequency matters more than perfect form at this stage — sign it every time the word comes up naturally in your routine.
Is the ASL sign for different the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for different. Using real ASL rather than invented gestures means your child’s signs will be understood by Deaf signers and build a foundation for learning more ASL as they grow.