How to Sign “Again” in ASL – Baby Sign Language Guide

Learn the ASL sign for "again" — Tap the fingertips of one bent hand onto your other open palm. Visual diagrams, when to use it, and toddler-friendly versions.

BABY SIGN LANGUAGE • ROUTINES
Daily sign

AGAIN

Tap the fingertips of one bent hand onto your other open palm

tap palm! Tap the fingertips of one bent hand onto your other open palm Like asking for one more
DIFFICULTY
Easy

TYPICAL AGE
12–16 months

HANDS
Two

MOVEMENT
Bent fingers tap

How to Sign “Again” Step by Step

The ASL sign for again tap the fingertips of one bent hand onto your other open palm — like asking for one more.

1

Set your hands

Like asking for one more. Get your hands into position before starting the motion.

2

Begin the motion

Tap the fingertips of one bent hand onto your other open palm.

3

Repeat twice

Repeat the motion two times so the sign reads clearly. That’s again.

Memory trick for parents: Picture the motion: like asking for one more. The mime is the meaning.

When to Use the Sign for “Again” With Your Baby

Use the sign for again naturally throughout the day:

  • During the moments when again comes up in your routine
  • When reading books that feature again
  • Pair with more and please for early sentences

What Your Toddler’s Version Will Look Like

Expect a friendly approximation at first — refinement comes with practice:

  • A simplified one-handed version of the motion
  • Pointing at the thing and looking at you
  • A baby-babble approximation of “again”

If the gesture is consistent and means “again”, honor it — respond as if they said the word. The tidy adult version comes later.

Mistakes to avoid when modeling the sign

  • Don’t rush the motion — pause for eye contact before signing.
  • Keep the handshape consistent so baby can copy it.
  • Always say the word out loud while you sign — the pairing is what teaches.

Signs to Learn Next

Frequently Asked Questions

When can my baby copy the sign for again?

Most babies begin approximating this sign around 12–16 months. Honor any clear approximation as a real attempt.

What if my toddler uses a simpler version of again?

That’s exactly what you want at first — respond as if they signed it perfectly. The adult form will refine on its own with steady modeling.