How to Sign "Have"
To make this sign, take both hands in the bent closed 5 handshape, simultaneously place the on both sides of your chest.
Examples Using "Have" in a Sentence
1
I have a dog.
Point to yourself to sign 'I', sign 'have' by bringing both bent hands to rest on your chest, and then sign 'dog'.
2
Do you have time?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'have' by placing your bent hands on your chest, and tap your wrist for 'time'. Remember to raise your eyebrows to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.
3
I don't have money.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'money', and then sign 'have' while shaking your head side-to-side to clearly indicate that you do not possess it.
How to Sign "Have"
To make this sign, take both hands in the bent closed 5 handshape, simultaneously place the on both sides of your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'have' is highly iconic, meaning its visual appearance directly relates to its meaning. By bringing both hands inward and placing them firmly against your chest, you are physically demonstrating the act of holding something close to your body. This inward motion and contact with the torso universally symbolizes claiming an object, taking ownership, and keeping it in your personal possession.
Signing Tips
Focus on the bent '5' handshape. Your fingers should be kept together and straight, but bent at the base knuckles, almost like you are holding a flat board against your chest. Make sure both hands touch your chest at the exact same time to clearly convey the sign. Keep your elbows relaxed and naturally pointed down rather than flared out, which helps the sign look natural and comfortable.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is curling their fingers into a tight 'claw' or 'C' shape instead of keeping the fingers flat and bent only at the base knuckles. Another frequent error is tapping the chest multiple times. The standard sign for 'have' requires just a single, deliberate placement of the hands against the chest. Finally, make sure your hands actually make contact with your chest rather than stopping in the air.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Have" in a Sentence
1I have a dog.
Point to yourself to sign 'I', sign 'have' by bringing both bent hands to rest on your chest, and then sign 'dog'.
2Do you have time?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'have' by placing your bent hands on your chest, and tap your wrist for 'time'. Remember to raise your eyebrows to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.
3I don't have money.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'money', and then sign 'have' while shaking your head side-to-side to clearly indicate that you do not possess it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign 'have' with just one hand?
While the standard, formal sign uses both hands as described, you might see fluent signers use just one hand in casual, fast-paced conversations. As a beginner, it is best to practice the two-handed version to ensure you are clearly understood.
Does this sign also mean 'have to' or 'must'?
No, the sign for 'have' (possession) is different from 'have to' (obligation). If you want to say 'I have to go,' you would use the sign for 'must,' which uses an 'X' handshape moving downward, rather than bringing bent hands to your chest.
Do I need to tap my chest multiple times?
Generally, no. A single, firm placement of your bent hands against your chest is sufficient to mean 'have.' Tapping it multiple times might look like you are stuttering the sign or emphasizing it unnecessarily.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!