Learning how to sign nervous in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Nervous” gives toddlers a name for the fluttery feeling before new situations. Two index fingers pointed down at the torso shake in a tight tremble — right where butterflies actually live. Most toddlers use it between 16 and 22 months.
How to Sign “Nervous” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Extend your index fingers on both hands, others curled.
- Point them down: Hold both hands at torso level, fingertips pointing toward the ground.
- Shake them: Quiver the fingers in a small rapid tremor.
The trembling motion physically mimics the feeling. A wary face makes it land clearly.
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Before new situations: Doctor visits, first days — sign “nervous” before the event.
- Validating hesitation: When they cling at the door, sign “nervous” empathetically.
- After brave moments: “You were nervous; then you did it!”
Tips for Success
- Saying the feeling out loud while signing it builds emotional vocabulary fastest.
- Keep the tremble tight and fast — a slow shake reads as “not sure.”
- Pair with “scared” to teach the nervous/scared spectrum.
Signs Related to “Nervous”
“Scared” (fists flinching open at the chest) is the more intense version, and “excited” (alternating middle fingers brushing up the chest) is the positive flip side.
Naming anxiety-adjacent feelings like “nervous” before age 3 is associated with better emotional regulation in the preschool years.
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 nervous in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for nervous as early as 16–22 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 nervous?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for nervous 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 nervous the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for nervous. 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.