Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "I Dont Like You"

To sign 'I don't like you,' start by pointing to yourself with your index finger for 'I.' Next, sign 'don't like' by placing your thumb and middle finger on your chest, then pulling your hand away while flicking your fingers open and turning your palm downward, as if throwing something away. Finally, point your index finger directly at the person you are talking to for 'you.' Be sure to include a negative headshake and a displeased facial expression to convey the emotion.

Examples Using "I Dont Like You" in a Sentence

1

I don't like you when you act like that.

Sign 'I don't like you' followed by the signs for 'when you act like that.' Emphasize the 'don't like' throwing motion and use a strong facial expression to show your frustration.

2

He looked right at me and said, 'I don't like you.'

Use role-shifting to show someone else speaking. Shift your shoulders slightly to one side, then sign 'I don't like you' with a direct point to indicate the quoted speech.

3

I don't like you, but we have to work together.

Sign 'I don't like you,' pause slightly, and then sign 'but we must work together.' The contrast in your facial expression from negative to serious will help convey the shift in tone.

How to Sign "I Dont Like You"
To sign 'I don't like you,' start by pointing to yourself with your index finger for 'I.' Next, sign 'don't like' by placing your thumb and middle finger on your chest, then pulling your hand away while flicking your fingers open and turning your palm downward, as if throwing something away. Finally, point your index finger directly at the person you are talking to for 'you.' Be sure to include a negative headshake and a displeased facial expression to convey the emotion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase combines three distinct signs. 'I' and 'you' are natural, directional pointing gestures. The sign for 'don't like' is a classic example of negative incorporation in ASL; it takes the sign for 'like' (drawing a positive feeling from the chest) and reverses it, physically throwing the unwanted feeling away from the body.
Signing Tips
Facial expressions are crucial for this phrase. A simple headshake and a slight frown or look of disgust while signing 'don't like' changes the meaning from a neutral statement to a clear expression of dislike. Make sure the flicking motion of 'don't like' is sharp and decisive.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting the facial expression. Without a negative headshake or a frown, the sign might look confusing or lack the intended impact. Another mistake is signing 'not' and then 'like' separately, instead of using the fluid, combined 'don't like' sign where you throw the feeling away.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "I Dont Like You" in a Sentence
1

I don't like you when you act like that.

Sign 'I don't like you' followed by the signs for 'when you act like that.' Emphasize the 'don't like' throwing motion and use a strong facial expression to show your frustration.

2

He looked right at me and said, 'I don't like you.'

Use role-shifting to show someone else speaking. Shift your shoulders slightly to one side, then sign 'I don't like you' with a direct point to indicate the quoted speech.

3

I don't like you, but we have to work together.

Sign 'I don't like you,' pause slightly, and then sign 'but we must work together.' The contrast in your facial expression from negative to serious will help convey the shift in tone.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign 'I' and 'you' every time?

Not always! ASL is highly contextual. If it's obvious who you are talking to, you can simply sign 'don't like' while looking directly at the person, and the pronouns 'I' and 'you' are naturally implied.

Why do I flick my fingers open for 'don't like'?

The flicking motion is highly visual. It represents taking something you initially had (the feeling of 'like' on your chest) and discarding or throwing it away because it is unwanted.

Can I sign the word 'not' and then the word 'like'?

While people might understand you, it is much more natural and fluent in ASL to use the single, integrated sign for 'don't like.' Using the combined sign shows a better grasp of ASL grammar and flow.

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