How to Sign "Knows"

To sign 'knows', form a flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers straight and together. Bring your hand up to your head and tap your fingertips against the side of your forehead twice. Your palm should be facing slightly down and toward your face.

Examples Using "Knows" in a Sentence

1

She knows the answer.

Point to the person for 'she', sign 'knows' by tapping your forehead, and then sign 'answer'.

2

He knows my name.

Point to the person for 'he', sign 'knows', then sign 'my' and 'name'.

3

Who knows?

Sign 'knows' and then sign 'who' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.

How to Sign "Knows"
To sign 'knows', form a flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers straight and together. Bring your hand up to your head and tap your fingertips against the side of your forehead twice. Your palm should be facing slightly down and toward your face.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'knows' is highly iconic, visually representing the concept of knowledge being stored in the brain. By tapping the forehead, the signer is pointing directly to the mind where information and understanding are kept.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers together and your hand flat to ensure the sign is clear. Make sure to tap the side of your forehead, near your temple, rather than the center of your forehead. A gentle double tap is all you need!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a single index finger instead of a flat hand, which changes the meaning to 'think' or 'wonder'. Another frequent error is tapping the center of the forehead instead of the side.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Knows" in a Sentence
1

She knows the answer.

Point to the person for 'she', sign 'knows' by tapping your forehead, and then sign 'answer'.

2

He knows my name.

Point to the person for 'he', sign 'knows', then sign 'my' and 'name'.

3

Who knows?

Sign 'knows' and then sign 'who' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'know' and 'knows' in ASL?

No, ASL does not conjugate verbs for subject agreement like English does. The sign for 'know' and 'knows' is exactly the same.

How do I sign 'don't know'?

To sign 'don't know', start with the sign for 'knows' by touching your forehead, but then turn your hand outward and away from your face while shaking your head.

Can I use this sign for knowing a person?

Yes, you can use this sign to indicate that you know a fact, understand a concept, or are acquainted with a person.

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