When you're learning American Sign Language (ASL), expressing specific calendar dates requires a combination of fingerspelling and standard numeral signs. If you want to know how to sign May 3 in ASL, the process is straightforward once you understand how months and numbers work together in conversational sign language.
To sign May 3, you fingerspell the month abbreviation M-A-Y and then sign the number 3. Unlike spoken English where you might say "May third," ASL users sign the month first using its standard fingerspelled form or accepted abbreviation, followed by the cardinal number for the day. Let's break down the exact mechanics, common variations, and foundational rules for signing dates.
How to Sign the Month of May
Months in ASL are generally communicated by fingerspelling. Short three-letter months like May, June, and July are fingerspelled quickly rather than using a unique initialized sign (unlike months like January or February, which often have abbreviated movement signs).
To fingerspell M-A-Y:
- M: Curl your index, middle, and ring fingers down over your thumb, which rests beneath them.
- A: Form a fist with your thumb resting straight against the side of your index finger.
- Y: Extend your thumb and pinky finger outward while keeping your middle three fingers folded into your palm.
Keep your hand near your dominant shoulder space, maintain a fluid motion, and don't bounce your hand between letters. The entire fingerspelling sequence takes less than a second.
How to Sign the Number Three
In ASL, cardinal numbers 1 through 5 are signed with your palm facing inward toward your body.
To sign the number 3:
- Extend your thumb, index finger, and middle finger upward.
- Fold your ring finger and pinky finger down against your palm, holding them down with your thumb tip.
Note the common beginner mistake: in ASL, the thumb is extended alongside the index and middle fingers for the number 3 (unlike in some European cultures where the thumb represents 3). Keep your fingers crisp and distinct so it isn't confused with the letter "W" or the number 6.
Putting It Together: Signing May 3
When combining the month and the day into a complete date phrase like "May 3," follow this exact sequence:
- Fingerspell M-A-Y smoothly.
- Pause slightly or transition cleanly into the number 3.
- Keep your facial expression neutral or slightly engaged if you're asking a question about that date.
If you are signing a complete date that includes a year—such as May 3, 2026—you fingerspell the month, sign the day number (3), pause briefly, and then sign the year by splitting the four-digit number into two pairs (20 and 26) or fingerspelling/signing the full digits depending on context. For reference on official organizational formatting, you can check resources from Gallaudet University, the premier institution for Deaf education and ASL scholarship.
Common Mistakes When Signing Dates in ASL
Learning ASL date structures involves avoiding a few frequent errors made by beginners:
- Using ordinal numbers for dates: In spoken English, we say "May third." In ASL, you use standard cardinal numbers (signing 3, not the twisting motion used for ordinal placement like "first" or "second").
- Fingerspelling the whole word slowly: Short months should be fluid. Spell M-A-Y as a single blended movement rather than stopping after each letter.
- Incorrect palm orientation: When signing numbers 1 through 5, keep your palm facing your chest. Facing your palm outward changes the grammatical meaning or makes the number difficult to read.
For additional learning materials on vocabulary and syntax rules, the National Association of the Deaf provides comprehensive community guidelines and educational resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all months get fingerspelled in ASL?
Short months like May, June, and July are always fingerspelled. Longer months often have standard initialized abbreviations (such as JAN for January or FEB for February) used widely in conversational ASL.
Do I need to twist my hand when signing the number 3?
No. A simple, stationary handshape with your palm facing inward represents the number 3. Twisting or shaking the hand changes the meaning entirely.
How do I sign years in ASL?
Years are typically split into two pairs of numbers. For example, the year 2024 is signed by signing 20, pausing slightly, and then signing 24.
Is fingerspelling considered cheating in ASL?
Not at all. Fingerspelling is an essential, native component of American Sign Language, especially for proper nouns, days of the week, and short months like May.
