How to Sign "Heart"

Both hands have all the fingers extended with the exception of the middle finger which is curled inwards. Place both middle fingers above the chest, palms facing inward, and use each hand to draw its respective half of the heart over the signer's heart, finishing at the bottom.

Examples Using "Heart" in a Sentence

1

My heart is full.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'my', use both curled middle fingers to trace the heart shape over the left side of your chest, and then sign 'full'.

2

He has a good heart.

Sign 'he', then 'good', and finally use your middle fingers to draw the two halves of a heart over your chest to symbolize his kind character.

3

Listen to your heart.

Sign 'listen', point to the person for 'your', and then trace the heart shape over your chest with your middle fingers, ensuring they meet at the bottom.

How to Sign "Heart"
Both hands have all the fingers extended with the exception of the middle finger which is curled inwards. Place both middle fingers above the chest, palms facing inward, and use each hand to draw its respective half of the heart over the signer's heart, finishing at the bottom.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'heart' is beautifully iconic and literal. By using your middle fingers to trace the universal, symmetrical shape of a heart, you are drawing a direct visual representation of the concept. Placing the sign over the left side of your chest connects the symbolic shape of emotion directly to the anatomical location of the human heart.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, ensure your middle fingers are distinctly curled inward while the rest of your fingers remain extended and relaxed. Start with your middle fingers touching at the top curve of the heart on the left side of your chest. Draw the two halves simultaneously in a smooth, flowing motion, making sure both middle fingers meet cleanly at the bottom point.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using their index fingers to draw the shape instead of curling their middle fingers. Another common error is drawing the heart in the center of the chest or floating in the air out in front of the body. Remember to place your hands directly over your actual heart on the left side of your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Heart" in a Sentence
1

My heart is full.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'my', use both curled middle fingers to trace the heart shape over the left side of your chest, and then sign 'full'.

2

He has a good heart.

Sign 'he', then 'good', and finally use your middle fingers to draw the two halves of a heart over your chest to symbolize his kind character.

3

Listen to your heart.

Sign 'listen', point to the person for 'your', and then trace the heart shape over your chest with your middle fingers, ensuring they meet at the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my index fingers to draw the heart instead?

For this specific standard sign, you should use your middle fingers curled inward. Using the index fingers changes the handshape and can look like you are simply drawing a shape in the air rather than signing the specific concept of 'heart'.

Does the size of the heart I draw matter?

Yes, keep the movement proportional to your body. A standard heart sign is roughly the size of your actual hand. Drawing a massive heart might be used for dramatic exaggeration, but a standard conversational sign is relatively small and contained.

Do my fingers need to physically touch my shirt?

Your curled middle fingers can lightly brush against your shirt or hover just a fraction of an inch above your chest. Either way is perfectly acceptable, as long as the location is clearly over the left side of your chest.

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