Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Aware"

To sign 'aware,' form your dominant hand into a flat shape with your fingers together and slightly bent at the knuckles. Bring your hand up to the side of your forehead near your temple, and tap your fingertips against your head twice.

Examples Using "Aware" in a Sentence

1

I am aware of the problem.

Point to yourself to sign 'I,' sign 'aware' by double-tapping your temple with a bent flat hand, and then sign 'problem' by twisting your bent V-hands together.

2

Are you aware of the time?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'aware,' and then tap your wrist for 'time.' Remember to raise your eyebrows throughout the sentence to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

We need to be aware of our surroundings.

Sign 'we' by moving your index finger from one shoulder to the other. Sign 'need' with a bent X-hand moving downward, followed by 'aware,' and then use a sweeping motion around yourself for 'surroundings.'

How to Sign "Aware"
To sign 'aware,' form your dominant hand into a flat shape with your fingers together and slightly bent at the knuckles. Bring your hand up to the side of your forehead near your temple, and tap your fingertips against your head twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, the location of a sign often gives a strong clue about its meaning. Signs related to cognition, thought, memory, and understanding are almost always placed near the head or brain. The sign for 'aware' shares this iconic motivation. The physical action of tapping the temple visually represents the mind actively holding onto, processing, or acknowledging a specific piece of information in your environment.
Signing Tips
When signing 'aware,' keep your movement small and controlled, tapping just the side of your upper forehead or temple. Your fingers should be kept together and slightly bent, rather than spread apart. It is also highly beneficial to use a facial expression that matches the context of your sentence. For example, if you are confirming that you are aware of a serious issue, a slight nod and a focused, serious expression pair perfectly with the manual sign.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using only a single tap instead of a distinct double tap. A single tap can make the sign look exactly like 'know,' whereas the double tap emphasizes the ongoing state of being 'aware.' Another frequent error is tapping the center of the forehead or the cheek instead of the side of the forehead near the temple, which can confuse the meaning or look like a completely different sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Aware" in a Sentence
1

I am aware of the problem.

Point to yourself to sign 'I,' sign 'aware' by double-tapping your temple with a bent flat hand, and then sign 'problem' by twisting your bent V-hands together.

2

Are you aware of the time?

Point to the person for 'you,' sign 'aware,' and then tap your wrist for 'time.' Remember to raise your eyebrows throughout the sentence to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

We need to be aware of our surroundings.

Sign 'we' by moving your index finger from one shoulder to the other. Sign 'need' with a bent X-hand moving downward, followed by 'aware,' and then use a sweeping motion around yourself for 'surroundings.'

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'aware' the same sign as 'know'?

They are very closely related and use the same handshape and location! 'Know' is typically signed with a single tap or a continuous hold to the temple, while 'aware' generally uses a distinct double tap to emphasize the state of being mindful of something.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'aware'?

You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like this. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to tap the right side of your forehead. If you are left-handed, use your left hand on the left side.

Can I use this sign to mean 'conscious'?

Yes, this sign is frequently used to mean 'conscious' in the sense of being mentally aware of a situation, fact, or issue. However, if you mean 'conscious' as in physically waking up from sleep or a medical state, you would use the sign for 'wake up' instead.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!