PocketSign
Basic

Headnod Affirmation

A headnod can confirm a statement, answer yes, or show that the signer is strongly affirming the idea.

All Negation lessons
ASL signer using a headnod to show affirmation

Watch First

Use these short PocketSign clips to see the face and head movement before you practice.

Non-manual markersWatch how head and face movement add meaning beyond the hands.
Expression examplesNotice how yes, no, and feeling markers are shown with the face and head.

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

A headnod is the positive partner to the headshake.

Use a small up-and-down nod to confirm yes, true, correct, or I agree.

The nod can happen with the sign YES, but it can also support a whole positive statement.

Keep the nod natural. It should look like clear confirmation, not a huge bounce.

A headnod is especially useful when you want the viewer to know you are sure.

Practice changing only the head movement: calm face, headnod, then headshake.

Up and downAffirmation uses a headnod, not a side-to-side headshake.
ConfirmThe nod tells the viewer yes, true, correct, or I agree.
Keep it naturalA small clear nod is usually better than a dramatic bounce.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the face before the sentence is over.

  1. Sign with a small headnod.
  2. Sign with a small headnod.
  3. Sign with a small headnod.
  4. Sign with a small headnod.
  5. Sign with a small headnod.
  6. Sign with a small headnod, then sign with a headshake and feel the contrast.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names what your face or head is doing.

ASL line. headnod
MeaningYes.
TipThe manual sign and the nod work together.
Face actionheadnodNod up and down while signing YES.
yes
ASL line . headnod
MeaningI am ready.
TipThe nod makes the statement feel confirmed.
Face actionheadnodUse a small nod during READY.
ready
ASL line . headnod
MeaningThe food is good.
TipA nod can show you really mean it.
Face actionheadnodNod while the positive idea is being signed.
foodgood
ASL line . headnod
MeaningClass is finished.
TipThe nod confirms the information.
Face actionheadnodUse a small confirming nod through FINISH.
classfinish
ASL line . headnod
MeaningYou are right.
TipThe nod supports agreement.
Face actionheadnodNod like you are confirming the person is correct.
right
ASL line . headnod
MeaningI do know.
TipThe nod can emphasize that the statement is true.
Face actionheadnodUse the nod during KNOW to affirm it.
know

Common Mistake

Do not use a headnod for negation. A nod and a headshake point in opposite directions, so mixing them can make the sentence confusing.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The technical source calls this affirmation. In beginner language, it means your head can help assert that the sentence is true, much like a strong yes in spoken English.