PocketSign
Basic

HAVE for Possession

Use HAVE when you mean someone owns, holds, or has something. Do not use it for every English sentence with the word have.

All Possession lessons
ASL signer showing HAVE for possession near the chest

Watch First

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

HAVE for possessionWatch HAVE used for owning or having something.

Learn It

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

HAVE is useful when the meaning is real possession: someone has a thing, a pet, a class, or something with them.

The sign moves toward the chest with bent hands. It can show that something is with you or belongs to you.

Use HAVE in simple lines like ME HAVE CAT or YOU HAVE BOOK.

Do not use HAVE just because English uses the word have.

English says have to for obligation, but ASL uses signs like NEED or MUST.

English says have seen for past experience, but ASL often uses FINISH or another clearer sign instead.

OwningUse HAVE for something someone owns or has with them.
Not have toFor have to, use NEED or MUST instead of possession HAVE.
Keep it concreteStart with people, pets, objects, and classes.

Try It

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

  1. Sign .
  2. Sign ?
  3. Sign .
  4. Sign .
  5. Do not sign for I have to go. Practice instead.
  6. Do not sign for Have you seen it? Practice ? instead.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first, then check the meaning and tip.

ASL line .
MeaningI have a cat.
TipThis is real possession, so HAVE works.
havecat
ASL line ?
MeaningDo you have a book?
TipYou are asking about owning or holding a book.
havebook
ASL line .
MeaningI have two dogs.
TipHAVE works because the sentence is about possession.
havedog
ASL line .
MeaningHe has a fish.
TipUse HAVE for the thing he owns or has.
hehavefish
ASL line .
MeaningI have to go.
TipUse NEED for obligation instead of HAVE.
needgo
ASL line ?
MeaningHave you seen it?
TipUse FINISH for completed experience instead of possession HAVE.
youseefinish

Common Mistake

Do not use HAVE for every English have. HAVE is for possession. If the meaning is must, use NEED or MUST. If the meaning is already happened, use FINISH.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

The source document separates possession HAVE from English auxiliary have. Beginners do not need the grammar label first. Just ask: does someone own or hold something? If yes, HAVE may fit. If not, choose the sign that matches the real meaning.