To sign "love" (the core of the phrase "I love you"), cross both of your arms over your chest. Your hands should be formed into gentle fists. Press your arms lightly against your torso as if you are giving yourself a warm, affectionate hug. To sign the complete sentence "I love you," you would typically point to yourself, perform this sign for "love," and then point to the person you are speaking to.
Point to yourself with your index finger, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, and then point to the person you are talking to. Add a warm, expressive smile.
Point to yourself, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, and then perform the sign for 'family' by bringing both 'F' handshapes together in a circle.
Point to the person you are asking, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, point back to yourself, and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself with your index finger, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, and then point to the person you are talking to. Add a warm, expressive smile.
Point to yourself, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, and then perform the sign for 'family' by bringing both 'F' handshapes together in a circle.
Point to the person you are asking, sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, point back to yourself, and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Crossing your arms over your chest is the traditional ASL verb for "love." The one-handed sign with the thumb, index, and pinky fingers extended is an initialized sign standing for I-L-Y ("I Love You") and is often used as a quick, affectionate greeting or parting gesture.
Yes, if you want to be perfectly clear in a full sentence, you would point to yourself ("I"), sign "love" (crossing arms), and point to the other person ("you"). However, in casual conversation, context and eye contact often make your meaning clear!
It doesn't matter which arm is on top! Most signers naturally place their dominant arm on top, but both ways are completely acceptable and understood. Just do whatever feels most comfortable and natural for your body.
