How to Sign "Eye"

To sign "eye", form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger. Bring your hand up to your face and point directly to your eye, gently tapping the area just below it on your cheekbone. Keep your palm facing inward toward your face.

Examples Using "Eye" in a Sentence

1

My eye is itchy.

Sign "my", point to your eye using the '1' handshape, and then use your dominant hand to scratch the back of your non-dominant hand to sign "itchy".

2

He has brown eyes.

Point to the person to indicate "he", sign "brown" by sliding a 'B' handshape down your cheek, and then point to your eyes. You can point to both eyes to show plurality.

3

The doctor looked at my eye.

Sign "doctor", "look-at", "my", and finish by pointing to your eye using the '1' handshape as demonstrated in the video.

How to Sign "Eye"
To sign "eye", form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger. Bring your hand up to your face and point directly to your eye, gently tapping the area just below it on your cheekbone. Keep your palm facing inward toward your face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "eye" is a perfect example of an indexical sign in American Sign Language. It is completely literal and iconic—you are simply pointing directly to the body part you are talking about. This straightforward pointing method is used for many basic body parts in ASL, such as the nose, mouth, and ears, making them very intuitive to learn.
Signing Tips
When signing "eye", keep the movement gentle and precise. You don't need to make contact with your actual eyeball; resting or tapping your index finger on the cheekbone just below the eye is the standard and safe way to sign it. If you need to refer to both eyes, simply point to one and then the other, or use both hands simultaneously.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is bringing the finger too close to the actual eyeball, which can be uncomfortable or dangerous. Another frequent error is using a flat hand instead of the '1' handshape. Using a flat hand near the upper face can easily be confused with the sign for "know". Always stick to a clear, single extended index finger.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Eye" in a Sentence
1

My eye is itchy.

Sign "my", point to your eye using the '1' handshape, and then use your dominant hand to scratch the back of your non-dominant hand to sign "itchy".

2

He has brown eyes.

Point to the person to indicate "he", sign "brown" by sliding a 'B' handshape down your cheek, and then point to your eyes. You can point to both eyes to show plurality.

3

The doctor looked at my eye.

Sign "doctor", "look-at", "my", and finish by pointing to your eye using the '1' handshape as demonstrated in the video.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign "eyes" (plural)?

To indicate both eyes, you can either point to your right eye and then your left eye with your dominant index finger, or use both index fingers to point to both eyes at the same time.

Do I actually touch my eye?

No, please don't poke your eye! You only need to point to or gently tap the area just below your eye, resting your finger safely on the upper cheekbone.

Is the sign for "eye" the same as "see"?

No, they are different. "Eye" simply points to the body part with a '1' handshape. "See" uses a 'V' handshape (index and middle fingers) moving outward from the eyes to represent the action of vision.

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