ASL In-Depth: Cardinal Numbers vs Ordinal Numbers

Cardinal Numbers
When youre indicating quantity and counting things, sign the numbers 1 through 5 and 11
through 15 with your palm facing you, and the numbers 6 through 10 and 16 through 19 with
your palm facing the person to whom youre signing.
Just like in English, there are exceptions to every rule, especially the one about which way your
palm faces. To tell time in Sign, let your dominant (active) index finger touch your other wrist
where you would wear a watch. Then use your dominant hand to sign the appropriate hour
(number) with your palm facing the person youre signing to; the same goes for addresses and
phone numbers. For quantity, though, the numbers 1 through 5 have your palm facing you; 6
through 10 have your palm facing the addressee.

Ordinal Numbers (1-9)

Ordinal numbers show orderly placement: first cup of coffee, second chapter, and third base, for
example. To indicate an ordinal number in ASL, twist your wrist inward while signing the
respective number.

FIRST Second Third

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