# How to Sign “Pencil” in Sign Language

Although physical pencils are not as popular as they used to be, there’s now digital pencils that are used with tablets!

## Signing “Pencil”

1. Hand shape: On your dominant hand, touch your index finger to your thumb, as if holding a pencil. Form your non-dominant hand into a closed “5” handshape, palm facing up.
2. Hand location: Raise your hands to about chest level.
3. Movement: Touch your dominant fingers to your mouth, then bring to your non-dominant hand, as if writing on a piece of paper.
4. Facial expression: Keep a neutral facial expression.

## Note

This is also how you sign “pen” or “stylus.”

## Break Communication Barriers

Learn more signs on our regularly updated ASL page! As you're picking up sign language, try using Ava for more meaningful conversations with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

[ASL](/content/asl/index.html)  
[Try Ava](https://web.ava.me/web/signup)