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

Cross your middle and index fingers while keeping them close together, with other fingers closed and palm facing forward to make the letter 'R' in ASL. This simple handshape shows up in everyday signs like "ready" and "remember." The history of this crossed-finger position goes all the way back to French Sign Language, which helped create ASL in the 1800s. It's an easy letter to make. Many people use this letter when spelling words in ASL.