PocketSign
Basic

B Handshape for Possessives

In ASL, pointing with one index finger means the person. A flat B handshape shows something belongs to that person.

All Possession lessons
ASL signer showing a flat B handshape for possession

Watch First

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

Possession overviewWatch how pointing changes into a flat B handshape for possession.
I vs my or mineCompare pointing to yourself with using a flat hand on your chest.
You vs your or yoursCompare pointing at another person with using a flat hand toward them.

Learn It

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

Start with one simple contrast: point for the person, flat hand for possession.

For I, ME, or YOU, use the index finger. You are pointing to the person.

For MY, MINE, YOUR, or YOURS, use a flat B handshape. Your fingers stay together and your palm faces the owner.

MY and MINE use the same basic idea: a flat hand on your own chest.

YOUR and YOURS use the flat hand toward the person you are talking to.

Beginners do not need a complicated rule. Think: pointer finger means person, flat hand means belongs to.

PointingUse the index finger for I, me, you, he, she, and they.
Flat B handUse a flat hand with fingers together for my, mine, your, and yours.
Aim mattersAim the possessive hand toward the person who owns the thing.

Try It

Practice slowly. Watch how the hand movement changes the meaning.

  1. Point to yourself for . Then use a flat hand on your chest for .
  2. Point to yourself for . Then use a flat hand on your chest for .
  3. Point toward a partner for . Then use a flat hand toward them for .
  4. Point toward a partner for . Then use a flat hand toward them for .
  5. Sign , then sign . Notice how the handshape changes the meaning.
  6. Sign , then sign . Use the flat hand for .

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the hand movement or lack of extra movement.

ASL line. point
MeaningMe or I.
TipUse the index finger because you mean the person.
Hand movementpointPoint to your own chest with your index finger.
me
ASL line . flat B hand
MeaningMy cat.
TipUse the flat hand for MY before CAT.
Hand movementflat B handPut a flat hand on your chest for MY.
mycat
ASL line. flat B hand
MeaningMine.
TipThe flat hand shows possession.
Hand movementflat B handKeep the fingers together and touch your chest.
mine
ASL line. point
MeaningYou.
TipPoint at the person because you mean them.
Hand movementpointPoint toward the person you are talking to.
you
ASL line . flat B hand
MeaningYour name.
TipUse a flat hand toward the person for YOUR.
Hand movementflat B handAim the flat palm toward the owner.
yourname
ASL line. flat B hand
MeaningYours.
TipThe flat hand toward the person shows possession.
Hand movementflat B handUse the same owner direction as YOUR.
yours

Common Mistake

Do not point when you mean my, mine, your, or yours. Pointing means the person. The flat hand shows possession.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The source document describes this as changing the handshape from an index finger to a flat B hand. Beginners can treat it as a very useful shortcut: the direction stays connected to the same person, but the handshape changes the grammar.