Learning how to sign there in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “There” is the sign that points to somewhere else. An index finger aims at a spot that is not here. Most toddlers manage it between 12 and 16 months.
How to Sign “There” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Extend your index finger, curl the others.
- Point to the location: Aim the finger at the place you mean.
- Hold briefly: A moment of pointing is the sign.
“There” is locational — you point to the actual place.
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Hide and seek: “The ball is there!” with a clear point.
- Directions: “Put it there” while pointing to a location.
- Spotting games: “The bird is there!” at the window.
Tips for Success
- Toddlers already point before they sign; “there” gives that gesture a name.
- Be consistent: point to the actual location.
- Pair with “here” for the spatial contrast.
Signs Related to “There”
“Here” (index finger pointing down or patting the ground) is the contrast, and “where” (one finger shaking side to side) turns “there” into a question.
Spatial language is a strong predictor of early mathematical and geographic reasoning.
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 there in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for there as early as 12–16 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 there?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for there 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 there the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for there. 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.