How to Sign "Live" in American Sign Language (ASL)

In ASL, "live" is signed by making an "L" handshape with both hands, palms facing down, and moving them upward slightly while opening the fingers. You can change this sign to show where someone lives by adding a place sign after it. For example, to say "I live in New York," you would sign "live" and then either spell "NY" or use New York's sign name. The sign came from the idea of being present somewhere. This basic sign is used all the time when people talk about where they live, their homes, and personal details.