How to Sign "Dad"
To make the sign dad, take your dominant hand in the 5 handshape and place it on your forehead.
Examples Using "Dad" in a Sentence
1
My dad is funny.
Start by pointing to your chest for 'my', then place your dominant hand in a 5 handshape on your forehead for 'dad', and finish with the sign for 'funny'.
2
Where is your dad?
Sign 'your' by pushing a flat palm toward the person, sign 'dad' on your forehead, and then sign 'where' while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a question.
3
I love my dad.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', point to yourself again for 'my', and finally place your 5 handshape on your forehead for 'dad'.
How to Sign "Dad"
To make the sign dad, take your dominant hand in the 5 handshape and place it on your forehead.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The location of this sign is rooted in ASL's gender placement rules. Historically, signs for male family members are formed on the upper half of the face, which is said to represent the brim of a hat that men traditionally wore. The open 5 handshape is a foundational handshape used for many core family signs, creating a visual connection between words like dad, mom, grandpa, and grandma.
Signing Tips
When signing 'dad', make sure your fingers are comfortably spread apart in the 5 handshape. It is standard to use the tip or pad of your thumb to make contact with your forehead while the rest of your fingers point upward. You can tap your thumb gently against your forehead twice to emphasize the noun, though a single placement is also perfectly understood in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is placing the hand on the chin instead of the forehead. In ASL, placing the 5 handshape on the chin means 'mom'. Another frequent error is collapsing the fingers; be sure to keep your fingers extended and spread wide in a clear 5 handshape rather than a closed fist or flat hand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dad" in a Sentence
1My dad is funny.
Start by pointing to your chest for 'my', then place your dominant hand in a 5 handshape on your forehead for 'dad', and finish with the sign for 'funny'.
2Where is your dad?
Sign 'your' by pushing a flat palm toward the person, sign 'dad' on your forehead, and then sign 'where' while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a question.
3I love my dad.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', point to yourself again for 'my', and finally place your 5 handshape on your forehead for 'dad'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of my hand should touch my forehead?
You should use the tip or the pad of your thumb to touch your forehead. Your other four fingers should remain extended and point straight up into the air.
Should I tap my forehead or just hold my hand there?
Both are acceptable! Typically, tapping your thumb against your forehead twice is used to indicate the noun 'dad', but a single, firm placement is also very common and completely correct.
Can I use my left hand if I am right-handed?
You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like 'dad'. If you are right-handed, use your right hand. If you are left-handed, use your left hand.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!