30 Most Common ASL Classifiers Every Student Should Know

Classifiers for People

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:1Represents a person standing or walkingA person walking across a room
CL:VRepresents two people or legs walkingTwo people walking together
CL:bent VRepresents a seated personSomeone sitting in a chair
CL:5Represents a group or crowdCrowd gathering
CL:4Represents a line or row of peoplePeople standing in a line

Classifiers for Vehicles and Movement

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:3Vehicles with wheelsCar driving down the road
CL:Both 3Two vehiclesTwo cars passing each other
CL:3 movementVehicle movement or turningCar turning at an intersection

Classifiers for Surfaces and Objects

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:BFlat surfacesBook on a table
CL:BBLarge flat surfacesWall or floor
CL:Stacked BObjects stackedBooks stacked on a table
CL:Flat OThin flat objectsCookie or small plate

Classifiers for Round Objects

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:CRound or cylindrical objectsHolding a cup
CL:Large CLarger round objectsBarrel
CL:Spread CLarger rounded containersBowl
CL:OSmall round objectsMarble
CL:FVery small round objectsCoin

Classifiers for Small or Thin Objects

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:GSmall thin objectsStick
CL:ILong thin objectsCandle
CL:LL shaped objectsTool
CL:KHolding small objectsKey

Classifiers for Hands, Grabbing, and Shapes

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:5 clawAnimal claws or grabbing motionAnimal scratching
CL:Claw 5Clusters or gripping objectsTree branches
CL:ASmall solid objectsApple
CL:SHard round objectsBall

Classifiers Showing Interaction

ClassifierDescriptionExample
CL:Both 1Two people interactingTwo people approaching
CL:V invertedLegs or person fallingSomeone lying down
CL:RTwisting objectsRope twisting
CL:YHandle or phone shapeHolding a phone