Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Dream"

To sign “Dream”, Using your dominant hand into “X” or a bent index finger handshape start on your forehead. Move your index finger apart from your forehead and making sure your finger is wigging when move. Often you would see a picture of a person sleep with a dream bubble come out of his/her head.

Examples Using "Dream" in a Sentence

1

I had a good dream.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'good' by moving your hand from your chin to your other hand, and then sign 'dream' by pulling your wiggling 'X' handshape up and away from your forehead.

2

Did you dream last night?

Sign 'past night', point to the person for 'you', and sign 'dream' with your dominant hand wiggling away from your head. Remember to keep your eyebrows raised to indicate a yes/no question.

3

Stop daydreaming!

Sign 'stop' by bringing one hand down sharply onto the palm of the other, then sign 'dream' using the bent index finger moving away from your forehead. You can gaze off into the distance to emphasize the daydreaming aspect.

How to Sign "Dream"
To sign “Dream”, Using your dominant hand into “X” or a bent index finger handshape start on your forehead. Move your index finger apart from your forehead and making sure your finger is wigging when move. Often you would see a picture of a person sleep with a dream bubble come out of his/her head.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of a dream. The placement at the forehead connects the sign to the mind and thoughts. The wiggling, upward-drifting motion mimics a 'dream bubble' or a series of thoughts floating out of a person's head while they are asleep.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, focus on a smooth, fluid motion as your hand leaves your forehead. Keep your index finger bent in the 'X' handshape and wiggle it continuously as your hand drifts upward and outward. Imagine you are tracing the path of a cartoon thought bubble floating away from your sleeping mind.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a straight index finger instead of the required bent 'X' handshape. Beginners also sometimes pull their hand straight out without wiggling the finger, or they move the hand downward instead of up and away from the forehead.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Dream" in a Sentence
1

I had a good dream.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'good' by moving your hand from your chin to your other hand, and then sign 'dream' by pulling your wiggling 'X' handshape up and away from your forehead.

2

Did you dream last night?

Sign 'past night', point to the person for 'you', and sign 'dream' with your dominant hand wiggling away from your head. Remember to keep your eyebrows raised to indicate a yes/no question.

3

Stop daydreaming!

Sign 'stop' by bringing one hand down sharply onto the palm of the other, then sign 'dream' using the bent index finger moving away from your forehead. You can gaze off into the distance to emphasize the daydreaming aspect.

Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use my right or left hand?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the 'X' handshape and move it away from your forehead. If you are left-handed, use your left hand.

Can this sign be used for 'daydream'?

Yes! You can use the same sign for 'daydream'. To emphasize the meaning, you might sign it slightly slower, repeat the motion, and gaze off into the distance to show that your mind is wandering.

Do I actually touch my forehead at the beginning of the sign?

Yes, you generally start with the side of your bent index finger touching or resting very close to your forehead before you begin moving it outward and wiggling it.

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