How to Sign "Know"
To make the sign know, take your dominant hand in the closed bent 5 handshape. Then tap your finger tips on the side of your forehead.
Examples Using "Know" in a Sentence
1
I know the answer.
Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'know' by tapping the fingertips of your closed bent 5 hand against the side of your forehead, followed by the sign for 'answer'.
2
Do you know him?
Point to the person you are referring to, sign 'know' by tapping your forehead, and make sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
3
I already know that.
Sign 'I', then tap your forehead for 'know', and finish with the sign for 'finish' or 'already' to show that the knowledge is already in your possession.
How to Sign "Know"
To make the sign know, take your dominant hand in the closed bent 5 handshape. Then tap your finger tips on the side of your forehead.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'know' is highly iconic and relates directly to the mind and cognitive function. By tapping the side of your forehead with your fingertips, you are visually drawing attention to the brain, which is the center of thought, memory, and knowledge. It represents holding or accessing information right where it lives.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers tightly together to form the closed bent 5 handshape; avoid letting them spread apart. A gentle double tap on the side of the forehead is standard when signing the word in isolation, though a single tap is often used in fast, fluent conversation. Make sure to use your dominant hand.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a flat, open hand (like a salute) instead of bending the fingers at the knuckles. Beginners also sometimes tap the center of their forehead instead of the side (near the temple), or they spread their fingers apart instead of keeping them closed together.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Know" in a Sentence
1I know the answer.
Point to yourself for 'I', then sign 'know' by tapping the fingertips of your closed bent 5 hand against the side of your forehead, followed by the sign for 'answer'.
2Do you know him?
Point to the person you are referring to, sign 'know' by tapping your forehead, and make sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
3I already know that.
Sign 'I', then tap your forehead for 'know', and finish with the sign for 'finish' or 'already' to show that the knowledge is already in your possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign 'I don't know'?
To sign 'don't know', you start with the standard sign for 'know' by touching your forehead, but then you smoothly turn your hand outward and away from your face while shaking your head 'no'.
Does it matter which side of my forehead I tap?
Yes, you should always use your dominant hand and tap the corresponding side of your forehead. If you are right-handed, use your right hand and tap the right side of your forehead.
What exactly is a 'closed bent 5' handshape?
A 'closed 5' means all your fingers are touching side-by-side, similar to a mitten. 'Bent' means you fold your fingers forward at the base knuckles so your hand forms a right angle, keeping the fingers themselves straight.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!