How to Sign "Feel"
to sign 'feel', splay the fingers of the dominant hand slightly. bend the middle finger inwards. press the middle finger against the sternum, and drag the middle finger up a couple of times.
Examples Using "Feel" in a Sentence
1
How do you feel today?
Sign 'HOW', then sign 'FEEL' by brushing your bent middle finger up your chest a couple of times, followed by 'TODAY'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.
2
I feel sick.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'FEEL' using the upward dragging motion on your sternum, and then sign 'SICK'. Make sure your facial expression matches the feeling of being unwell.
3
She feels happy.
Point to the person for 'SHE', sign 'FEEL' by pressing your bent middle finger to your chest and dragging it up, and then sign 'HAPPY' with a bright, genuine smile.
How to Sign "Feel"
to sign 'feel', splay the fingers of the dominant hand slightly. bend the middle finger inwards. press the middle finger against the sternum, and drag the middle finger up a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'feel' is highly intuitive, as it takes place directly over the heart and sternum, an area universally associated with emotions and internal sensations. The upward brushing motion of the bent middle finger represents emotions rising up from within your body. The bent middle finger itself is a foundational handshape in ASL used specifically for signs related to emotions, physical sensations, and internal states.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'feel' look natural, ensure only your middle finger is bent inward while the rest of your fingers remain relaxed and slightly splayed. The movement should be a gentle, upward brushing motion against your chest, not a harsh scrape. Remember that facial expressions are crucial when signing about feelings; your face should always match the specific emotion you are describing!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bending the index finger instead of the middle finger, or curling all the fingers into a claw shape. Make sure only the middle finger makes contact with your chest. Another frequent error is moving the hand downward or side-to-side; the correct motion is strictly dragging the middle finger upward along the sternum.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Feel" in a Sentence
1How do you feel today?
Sign 'HOW', then sign 'FEEL' by brushing your bent middle finger up your chest a couple of times, followed by 'TODAY'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.
2I feel sick.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'FEEL' using the upward dragging motion on your sternum, and then sign 'SICK'. Make sure your facial expression matches the feeling of being unwell.
3She feels happy.
Point to the person for 'SHE', sign 'FEEL' by pressing your bent middle finger to your chest and dragging it up, and then sign 'HAPPY' with a bright, genuine smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'feel'?
You should always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to brush the bent middle finger up your chest. If you are left-handed, use your left hand.
What is the difference between 'feel' and 'sick'?
Both signs use the bent middle finger handshape, but 'sick' uses both hands simultaneously—one touching the forehead and one touching the stomach. 'Feel' uses only your dominant hand brushing upward on your chest.
Do I need to actually touch my chest, or can I just hover my hand?
You should make light physical contact. Your bent middle finger should gently press against your sternum and brush upward. Hovering the hand without touching the chest can make the sign look sloppy or unclear.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!