Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Fother"

To sign 'father,' form an open '5' handshape with your dominant hand, ensuring all your fingers are spread wide apart. Raise your hand to the upper part of your face. Gently tap the tip of your thumb against the center or slightly to the side of your forehead twice. Your palm should be facing sideways, and your fingers should point straight up toward the ceiling. Keep your hand relaxed but clearly shaped throughout the movement.

Examples Using "Fother" in a Sentence

1

My father is tall.

To sign this, start with the sign for 'MY' by placing your flat hand on your chest. Next, sign 'FATHER' by tapping your thumb on your forehead, and finish with the sign for 'TALL'.

2

I love my father.

Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'LOVE', sign 'MY' with a flat palm on your chest, and then finish with the sign for 'FATHER' on your forehead.

3

Where is your father?

Sign 'YOUR' by pushing a flat palm toward the person you are talking to, then sign 'FATHER'. Finish with the sign for 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a 'wh-' question.

How to Sign "Fother"
To sign 'father,' form an open '5' handshape with your dominant hand, ensuring all your fingers are spread wide apart. Raise your hand to the upper part of your face. Gently tap the tip of your thumb against the center or slightly to the side of your forehead twice. Your palm should be facing sideways, and your fingers should point straight up toward the ceiling. Keep your hand relaxed but clearly shaped throughout the movement.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, family signs are traditionally organized by gender using different locations on the face. Masculine signs—such as 'father,' 'boy,' 'brother,' and 'grandfather'—are signed on the upper half of the face near the forehead. Feminine signs are placed on the lower half near the chin. The open '5' handshape tapped on the forehead is a foundational ASL sign that visually establishes the male head of the family, utilizing this classic spatial categorization.
Signing Tips
When signing 'father,' make sure to use a clear '5' handshape with your fingers spread wide and your hand relaxed. The tapping movement should be light and come naturally from your wrist or elbow. Remember that in ASL, masculine family signs are traditionally placed on the upper half of the face. Keeping this spatial rule in mind will help you easily remember the location for 'father' and distinguish it from similar family signs.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is placing the thumb on the chin instead of the forehead, which accidentally changes the word to 'mother.' Another frequent error is keeping the fingers closed together rather than spread wide in the correct '5' handshape. Finally, be careful not to bounce your hand forward away from your forehead, as moving the hand outward changes the sign to 'grandfather.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fother" in a Sentence
1

My father is tall.

To sign this, start with the sign for 'MY' by placing your flat hand on your chest. Next, sign 'FATHER' by tapping your thumb on your forehead, and finish with the sign for 'TALL'.

2

I love my father.

Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'LOVE', sign 'MY' with a flat palm on your chest, and then finish with the sign for 'FATHER' on your forehead.

3

Where is your father?

Sign 'YOUR' by pushing a flat palm toward the person you are talking to, then sign 'FATHER'. Finish with the sign for 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a 'wh-' question.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'father' and 'mother' in ASL?

The only difference is the location on your face. 'Father' is signed by tapping your thumb on your forehead, while 'mother' is signed by tapping your thumb on your chin. Both use the exact same open '5' handshape and tapping motion.

Do I have to tap my forehead twice?

Generally, 'father' is signed with a double tap, especially when you are signing the word by itself or emphasizing it. However, in fast, everyday conversation, fluent signers often reduce it to a single, quick tap.

Can I use either hand to sign 'father'?

Yes! You should always use your dominant hand to sign 'father.' If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Tap the center or the dominant side of your forehead.

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