How to Sign "Look At Me"

Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers and spreading them apart. Turn your palm so it faces inward toward you. Point your index and middle fingers directly toward your own eyes, bringing the hand slightly closer to your face to emphasize the action of someone directing their gaze at you.

Examples Using "Look At Me" in a Sentence

1

Hey, look at me when I'm talking to you.

Sign 'HEY' to get their attention, then use the 'look at me' sign by pointing the 'V' handshape toward your own eyes with a firm facial expression.

2

Look at me, I finally did it!

Use an excited, proud facial expression while bringing the 'V' handshape toward your face to sign 'look at me,' followed by the sign for 'FINISH' to show you accomplished your goal.

3

Everyone, please look at me.

Sign 'EVERYONE', then use the 'look at me' sign. Make sure to maintain eye contact with your audience to naturally reinforce the request for their attention.

How to Sign "Look At Me"
Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers and spreading them apart. Turn your palm so it faces inward toward you. Point your index and middle fingers directly toward your own eyes, bringing the hand slightly closer to your face to emphasize the action of someone directing their gaze at you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and relies on the 'V' handshape, which acts as a visual classifier representing a pair of eyes. In American Sign Language, the movement of this handshape dictates the direction of the gaze. By turning the 'eyes' (your fingers) around to point directly at your own face, you are literally showing the physical action of someone directing their vision toward you.
Signing Tips
Focus on the directionality of the sign. Because ASL uses spatial agreement, the 'V' handshape literally represents the eyes of the person you are talking to. By pointing those 'fingers' (eyes) at yourself, you are visually demonstrating the exact action you want them to take. Keep your facial expression engaging and maintain strong eye contact to naturally draw their attention to you.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is pointing the 'V' handshape outward instead of inward. If you point the fingers away from yourself, you are actually signing 'look at that' or 'look over there.' Another frequent error is physically touching your eyes or face with your fingertips. The fingers should point directly toward your face but remain hovering a few inches away.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Look At Me" in a Sentence
1

Hey, look at me when I'm talking to you.

Sign 'HEY' to get their attention, then use the 'look at me' sign by pointing the 'V' handshape toward your own eyes with a firm facial expression.

2

Look at me, I finally did it!

Use an excited, proud facial expression while bringing the 'V' handshape toward your face to sign 'look at me,' followed by the sign for 'FINISH' to show you accomplished your goal.

3

Everyone, please look at me.

Sign 'EVERYONE', then use the 'look at me' sign. Make sure to maintain eye contact with your audience to naturally reinforce the request for their attention.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign considered rude or demanding?

Not inherently, but its tone depends heavily on your facial expression. If you use a stern face and a sharp, quick movement, it acts as a strict command. With a soft expression and gentle movement, it simply means 'please direct your attention here.'

Do I need to touch my face or eyes for this sign?

No, you should never actually poke or touch your eyes. Bring the 'V' handshape close to your face, leaving a few inches of comfortable space between your fingertips and your eyes.

How is this different from the standard sign for 'look'?

The standard sign for 'look' usually points outward, directing someone's attention to an object or person away from you. 'Look at me' reverses that exact motion, pointing the 'V' fingers inward toward your own eyes to show the gaze coming back to you.

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