10 core classifiers commonly used in American Sign Language.
Classifiers are one of the most visually powerful grammatical features of ASL. They represent categories of objects, people, movement, and spatial relationships.
Below are 10 core classifiers every ASL student should understand, along with grammar notes, gloss examples, and common errors.
CL:1 (Upright Person)
Represents:
Person standing, thin upright object, animal upright
Grammar Notes:
- Establish referent first.
- Movement shows direction and manner.
- Maintain spatial consistency.
Gloss Examples:
- PERSON IX-left. CL:1-walk-forward.
- BOY ESTABLISH-right. CL:1-run-fast.
- MAN CL:1-fall-forward.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:1 for vehicles.
- Failing to establish referent before movement.
CL:3 (Vehicle)
Represents:
Cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles
Grammar Notes:
- Orientation matters.
- Movement encodes path and speed.
- Can show crash, slide, or turn.
Gloss Examples:
- CAR IX-left. CL:3-drive-forward.
- TRUCK CL:3-turn-right.
- SNOW HEAVY. CAR CL:3-slide.
Common Errors:
- Switching spatial anchors mid-discourse.
- Forgetting to establish the vehicle first.
CL:B (Flat Object)
Represents:
Paper, book, table, surface
Grammar Notes:
- Orientation is critical (horizontal vs vertical).
- Used for placement and falling.
Gloss Examples:
- BOOK TABLE IX-right. CL:B-lie-flat.
- PAPER CL:B-fall-down.
Common Errors:
- Incorrect orientation.
- Using CL:3 instead of CL:B.
CL:C (Cylindrical Object)
Represents:
Cup, can, tree trunk, pole
Grammar Notes:
- Size may be modified.
- Can show rolling or standing upright.
Gloss Examples:
- CUP CL:C-sit-on-table.
- TREE CL:C-stand-tall.
- CAN CL:C-roll-downhill.
Common Errors:
- Confusing with CL:B.
- Not modifying for size when needed.
CL:5 (Mass / Crowd)
Represents:
Crowd, rain, snow, scattered objects
Grammar Notes:
- Represents multiple entities.
- Movement shows scattering or falling.
Gloss Examples:
- CROWD CL:5-gather.
- RAIN CL:5-fall-heavy.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:1 for groups.
- Using CL:5 for a single object.
CL:V (Legs Walking / Seated Person)
Represents:
Legs walking, seated person
Grammar Notes:
- Emphasizes leg movement.
- Can show sitting position.
Gloss Examples:
- PERSON CL:V-walk-slow.
- PERSON CL:V-sit-on-chair.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:1 when leg emphasis is required.
CL:4 (Rows / Thin Vertical Objects)
Represents:
Rows of people, fence, thin vertical objects
Grammar Notes:
- Used for alignment and rows.
- Shows multiple thin upright items.
Gloss Examples:
- FENCE CL:4-line-up.
- PEOPLE CL:4-stand-in-row.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:1 for multiple vertical objects.
CL:Y (Airplane / Small Object Moving)
Represents:
Airplane, small moving object
Grammar Notes:
- Orientation shows direction.
- Movement encodes flight path.
Gloss Examples:
- PLANE CL:Y-fly-forward.
- PLANE CL:Y-turn-left.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:3 for airplanes incorrectly.
CL:A (Stationary Object)
Represents:
House, building, stationary upright object
Grammar Notes:
- Represents solid, unmoving object.
- Often used in locative constructions.
Gloss Examples:
- HOUSE IX-left. CL:A-locate.
- BUILDING CL:A-stand-next-to-TREE.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:1 instead of CL:A.
CL:F (Small Round Object)
Represents:
Coin, button, small round object
Grammar Notes:
- Represents small circular items.
- Often paired with handling classifiers.
Gloss Examples:
- COIN CL:F-drop.
- BUTTON CL:F-roll.
Common Errors:
- Using CL:C for very small objects.
