Learning To Sign 'More' In Sign Language: Easy ASL Steps & Baby Benefits

Prof. Jerrell Johns 23 Aug 2025

Imagine a little one, or perhaps anyone, trying so hard to tell you something, but the words just aren't there yet. It’s a moment that, you know, can feel a bit frustrating for everyone involved. What if there was a simple way to bridge that gap, to give them a voice for their biggest desires? Well, there actually is, and it starts with a very powerful, very common sign: "more."

This single sign, you see, opens up a whole new world of conversation, especially for our youngest communicators. It’s a pretty simple gesture, yet its impact on daily life and connection is truly immense. For babies, it can mean less fussing and more joyful interaction; for adults, it just adds a wonderful tool to their communication kit.

In this article, we’re going to explore just how easy it is to learn to sign "more" in American Sign Language (ASL). We’ll look at the simple steps, see how it helps little ones, and even touch upon some cool variations. So, get ready to discover the magic of this powerful little sign, and how it can, you know, bring people closer.

The Simple Sign for "More" in ASL
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Visualizing the Sign: Flattened O Hands
Why "More" is a Game-Changer for Babies and Toddlers
Exploring "More" in Different Ways: Variations and Context
Learning Resources for "More" and Beyond
- Video Tutorials and Online Platforms
- Expert Insights from the Pros
"More" in British Sign Language (BSL)
Frequently Asked Questions About Signing "More"

The Simple Sign for "More" in ASL

Learning how to sign "more" in American Sign Language is, actually, one of the easiest and most practical signs you can pick up. It's often among the very first signs children will start to use when given the chance, you know, because it expresses such a basic, strong desire. This sign is incredibly versatile and used in so many daily situations, making it a truly valuable addition to anyone's communication skills.

The main way to make the sign for "more" involves what are called "flattened O hands." This means your hands are shaped a bit like the letter 'O', but with your fingertips gently touching your thumb, making a slightly flattened circle. It’s a very natural position, and, you know, quite comfortable to hold. This particular hand shape is pretty common in ASL, so getting familiar with it here will help you with other signs down the road, too.

Step-by-Step Guide

Let's break down the movements for signing "more." It's a pretty straightforward process, and with just a little practice, you'll be doing it like a pro. First, you'll want to get both of your hands ready. This sign, you see, uses both hands working together, which is quite common in ASL. It’s not just one hand doing all the work, but rather a coordinated effort, which makes it, you know, a very clear visual signal.

To begin, form the letter 'O' with both of your hands. This means your fingers and thumb on each hand are touching, creating a circular shape. Then, you'll want to flatten those 'O's just a little bit. It’s not a tight fist, and it’s not wide open; it’s somewhere in between, with your fingertips gently resting against your thumb. This flattened 'O' shape is, arguably, the most important part of getting the sign just right.

Next, bring your two flattened 'O' hands together. The fingers on each hand should tap each other. You're bringing the fingertips of one hand to meet the fingertips of the other hand, usually around your chest area, or perhaps a little in front of you. This tapping motion is key. It’s a gentle, repeated tap, often done a couple of times. It’s not a hard clap, but rather a soft, rhythmic touching of the fingertips, indicating, you know, an increase or an addition.

So, you know, to summarize, you make two flattened 'O' shapes, bring them together, and then gently tap the fingertips of one hand against the fingertips of the other. That’s it! It’s a really simple and practical sign, used in many, many situations, from asking for another cookie to requesting more playtime. It’s a sign that, you know, truly conveys the idea of wanting something extra.

Visualizing the Sign: Flattened O Hands

When you picture the sign for "more," really try to focus on those flattened 'O' hands. Think of your hands as little cups, sort of, that are coming together. The fingers aren't spread out, and they're not tightly curled into a fist. Instead, they're relaxed, with the tips of your fingers gently touching your thumb, creating that slightly open, rounded shape. This specific hand shape is pretty distinctive for this sign.

The movement itself is like bringing two things together, almost as if you’re adding them up. You bring both of those flattened 'O' hands into contact with each other's fingertips. The tapping motion is, you know, a gentle way to emphasize the idea of "more." It’s a clear, concise movement that communicates the concept effectively. It’s a sign that, arguably, looks like what it means – adding more to something. This visual representation really helps with remembering the sign, too.

Why "More" is a Game-Changer for Babies and Toddlers

Teaching "more" to babies and young children is, honestly, one of the most rewarding things you can do for early communication. It’s a sign that empowers them in a pretty significant way, long before they can string together full sentences. Think about it: a baby can't say, "I want another bite of that delicious sweet potato," but they can absolutely sign "more." This simple act, you know, can change the whole dynamic of mealtime or playtime.

Early communication, like using signs, really cuts down on so much frustration for both the child and the parent. When a baby can express their needs and wants, even in a basic way, it reduces guesswork and, you know, those inevitable meltdowns that come from not being understood. It’s a powerful tool that helps them feel heard and seen, which is, actually, so important for their developing sense of self. This sign, "more," is often one of the first signs children will pick up when given the opportunity, because it's so directly tied to their immediate desires.

Cutting Down on Upset Feelings

Consider a toddler who is really enjoying their snack but isn't able to say "I'd like some more." What happens? They might point, they might whine, they might even get quite upset when the plate is taken away. But if they know the sign for "more," they can clearly communicate their desire. This, you know, instantly reduces the chances of them getting frustrated or angry because their needs are not being met. It’s a simple solution to a very common problem.

This early ability to communicate makes daily routines so much smoother. Meal times, play times, even story times become, you know, less of a battle and more of a conversation. When a child can ask for "more" milk, "more" cuddles, or "more" of a favorite song, it shows them that their voice, even a signed one, has power. This, in turn, helps them feel more in control of their little world, which is, actually, a pretty big deal for their emotional well-being.

Building Confidence and Connection

When a child successfully uses a sign like "more" and gets a positive response, it builds their confidence in a really significant way. They learn that their actions have an effect, that they can make themselves understood. This feeling of competence, you know, encourages them to try communicating even more, fostering a positive cycle of learning and interaction. It’s a huge step in their developmental journey, honestly.

Beyond confidence, using sign language together really encourages child and parent bonding. It creates a special, shared language between you, a unique way to connect and understand each other. Those moments when your baby signs "more" for a hug, and you respond, are incredibly heartwarming and, you know, strengthen your relationship. It’s a beautiful way to interact, building a deeper connection that goes beyond spoken words, and that’s, actually, something pretty special.

Early Communication, a Strong Foundation

Giving children the tools for early communication, like the sign for "more," lays a very strong foundation for their overall language development. It helps them understand the concept of communication itself – that gestures and sounds can represent ideas. This early exposure to language concepts, you know, can even help with their spoken language skills later on, as they're already grasping the idea of expressing thoughts and needs.

It's not about replacing spoken language; it's about adding another layer, a bridge, until spoken words come more easily. This sign, "more," is a practical entry point into the world of ASL, and it shows how accessible and beneficial sign language can be for everyone. It's pretty much a win-win situation, offering, you know, immediate benefits and setting the stage for future learning and connection.

Exploring "More" in Different Ways: Variations and Context

While the basic sign for "more" with flattened 'O' hands is very common and widely understood, ASL, like any language, has ways to express nuances and different shades of meaning. You can see different ways to express "more" in ASL, such as comparative, additional, further, and to a greater extent. These variations often involve slight changes in movement, facial expression, or how the sign is combined with other signs. It’s, you know, pretty cool how a language can be so expressive with just a few changes.

Understanding these variations helps you communicate with greater precision and makes your signing more natural. It’s not just about knowing the core sign, but also about knowing how to adapt it to fit the specific context of your conversation. This is, arguably, a key part of becoming more fluent in any language, including sign language. So, let’s look at a few common ways "more" can be expressed.

"One More" and "Want More"

Sometimes, you want to be very specific about asking for "one more" of something. For this, you might combine the sign for "one" with the sign for "more." You begin with both hands in front of you, with one index finger moving down and up a couple of times, indicating "1," and then you follow immediately with the sign for "more." This combination clearly conveys the idea of wanting just a single additional item. It's, you know, a very practical way to be precise.

When expressing "want more," you typically combine the sign for "want" with the sign for "more." The sign for "want" usually involves bringing both hands up towards your chest, palms up, and then pulling them back towards you, almost as if you're pulling something closer. Then, you follow that with the standard "more" sign. So, for example, if you wanted to ask, "Do you want more children?", you would sign "WANT MORE CHILDREN YOU?" The combination of these signs, you know, makes the meaning very clear and natural in ASL.

Comparative and Additional Meanings

The core sign for "more" can also convey ideas like "additional" or "further." When you're talking about something being "more" in a comparative sense (e.g., "this is more interesting"), the context and facial expressions often play a significant role in conveying that nuance. The same basic sign can, you know, take on slightly different flavors depending on the surrounding signs and the overall message you're trying to get across.

For instance, if you're talking about needing "more" information, you might use the standard "more" sign, but the context of the conversation makes it clear you mean "additional" or "further" details. ASL is, actually, a very visual and contextual language, so often, the meaning is derived not just from individual signs, but from how they fit together and the expressions used. It's pretty fascinating, honestly, how much information can be conveyed this way.

Regional Differences: A Quick Note

It's worth mentioning that, like any spoken language, sign languages can have regional variations. While ASL is, you know, largely standardized across North America, you might encounter slight differences in how certain signs are performed in different areas. This is pretty normal, and it just adds to the richness of the language. Our guide explores various ways to express the concept of saying "more" in ASL, both formally and informally, and we do, you know, touch upon regional variations, although ASL is generally quite consistent.

These differences are usually minor and don't typically hinder communication too much. It's just something to be aware of as you learn and interact with different signers. The core sign for "more" with flattened 'O' hands is, you know, so widely used that it's almost universally understood within the ASL community. So, you can feel confident using it, knowing it will be recognized.

Learning Resources for "More" and Beyond

Learning sign language, even just a few basic signs like "more," is an enriching experience, and there are so many wonderful resources available to help you along the way. Whether you prefer watching videos, taking structured courses, or practicing with others, you can, you know, find a learning style that works best for you. The key is to engage with the language regularly and keep practicing what you learn.

Platforms like Sign Tribe Academy offer courses, videos, and quizzes for learning ASL. They provide a comprehensive approach that combines visual and auditory learning, which is, actually, pretty effective for many people. You can watch a video to see the sign for "more" and get access to over a thousand more resources. It's a great place to start if you're looking for a structured learning environment, you know, with lots of content.

Video Tutorials and Online Platforms

For visual learners, video tutorials are, honestly, incredibly helpful. Seeing the sign performed by a native signer can make all the difference in understanding the correct hand shape, movement, and facial expressions. Many online platforms, like Sign Tribe Academy, provide short example videos and longer tutorial videos showing how to sign "more" in American Sign Language. These resources, you know, break down the sign into manageable steps, making it easier to follow along.

Another platform, Ava, which facilitates online meetings for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, can also be a good place to learn. They often have resources or community features that help with learning. Learning the simple and common sign for "more" with Ava, for example, can show you how practical these platforms are. It's pretty much about finding what works for you and, you know, sticking with it.

Expert Insights from the Pros

The world of sign language interpreting is full of incredibly talented individuals. Some interpreters have experiences ranging from legal to entertainment interpreting, including teaching sign language to celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Their passion for innovation is, actually, quite evident in the way they approach teaching and using sign language. Learning from such experienced individuals, even indirectly through their teaching materials, can provide really valuable insights into the nuances of ASL.

These experts often emphasize the importance of context, facial expressions, and body language, which are all integral parts of ASL. They can show you how a slight change in expression can alter the meaning of a sign, which is, you know, something you don't always pick up from just a basic diagram. So, looking for resources that feature experienced signers and educators is, arguably, a very smart move.

"More" in British Sign Language (BSL)

While this article primarily focuses on American Sign Language, it's interesting to note that other sign languages exist, each with its own unique signs. British Sign Language (BSL) is one such language, and its sign for "more" is different from ASL. This just highlights that sign languages are distinct and independent, not universal. It's, you know, pretty important to remember that.

To sign "more" in BSL, you follow a different set of steps. You cross your palms in front of your chest and then tap the back of the hand closer to you. This is a clear and distinct movement, very different from the flattened 'O' hands of ASL. If you're interested in BSL, you can find videos and images that demonstrate this specific sign. It's, you know, another example of how diverse and rich sign languages are around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Signing "More"

Many people have questions when they first start learning signs, and that’s, you know, totally normal. Here are some common questions about signing "more" that people often ask, along with some helpful information.

How do you sign "more" in ASL?

You sign "more" in ASL by forming the letter 'O' with both of your hands, then flattening those 'O's just a little bit. Bring your two flattened 'O' hands together so that the fingertips of one hand gently tap the fingertips of the other hand, usually a couple of times. It's a very straightforward and, you know, widely recognized sign.

What are the benefits of teaching "more" to babies?

Teaching "more" to babies offers many benefits. It significantly cuts down on frustration for both the child and the parent by giving the baby a way to express their desires before they can speak. It also builds the child's confidence in their ability to communicate and, you know, encourages a stronger bond between the child and parent through shared understanding. Early communication, you see, sets a solid foundation for overall language development.

Are there different ways to sign "more"?

Yes, there are different ways to express the concept of "more" in ASL, often depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. While the basic "flattened O hands" sign is for general "more," you can combine it with other signs for specific ideas like "one more" (by adding the sign for '1' before 'more') or "want more" (by adding the sign for 'want' before 'more'). Context and facial expressions, you know, also play a big part in conveying nuances like comparative or additional meanings. For more in-depth learning, Learn more about American Sign Language on our site, and you can find specific tutorials on our page about ASL basics.

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