How to Sign "M"
To sign 'M', bring the thumb in across the palm. Rest the ring, middle, and index fingers on top of the thumb.
Examples Using "M" in a Sentence
1
My name is Mary.
When introducing yourself, you will use the letter 'M' as the starting point for fingerspelling the name 'Mary'. Form the 'M' by resting your three fingers over your thumb, then smoothly transition into the letters A, R, and Y.
2
I love M&Ms.
To sign this popular candy, you will sign the letter 'M', then the sign for 'and' (or simply a slight pause and shift), followed by another 'M'. Make sure your palm faces forward and the three fingers clearly rest over the thumb both times.
3
We are going to the DMV.
When fingerspelling acronyms like 'DMV', you will transition from 'D' to 'M' to 'V'. For the 'M', quickly bring your thumb across your palm and drape the index, middle, and ring fingers over it before shifting into the 'V' handshape.
How to Sign "M"
To sign 'M', bring the thumb in across the palm. Rest the ring, middle, and index fingers on top of the thumb.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The manual alphabet sign for the letter 'M' is visually motivated by the shape of the written English alphabet. Specifically, the three fingers draped over the thumb—the index, middle, and ring fingers—are meant to mimic the three downward vertical strokes, or 'legs', of the written lowercase letter 'm'. This visual connection makes it much easier for beginners to remember the difference between 'M' and similar letters.
Signing Tips
When forming the letter 'M', keep your hand relaxed and avoid squeezing your fingers together too tightly. Ensure exactly three fingers—your index, middle, and ring fingers—are resting clearly on top of your thumb. It helps to practice transitioning smoothly from an open palm to this shape. Keep your palm facing forward toward the person you are communicating with, and make sure your pinky finger stays tucked away so it doesn't cause confusion.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is tucking the thumb under only two fingers, which accidentally forms the letter 'N', or tucking it under all four fingers, which can look like an 'E' or an 'S'. Another frequent error is pointing the folded fingers forward toward the viewer instead of keeping them resting flat and pointing downward over the thumb. Make sure the distinction of the three fingers is clear.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "M" in a Sentence
1My name is Mary.
When introducing yourself, you will use the letter 'M' as the starting point for fingerspelling the name 'Mary'. Form the 'M' by resting your three fingers over your thumb, then smoothly transition into the letters A, R, and Y.
2I love M&Ms.
To sign this popular candy, you will sign the letter 'M', then the sign for 'and' (or simply a slight pause and shift), followed by another 'M'. Make sure your palm faces forward and the three fingers clearly rest over the thumb both times.
3We are going to the DMV.
When fingerspelling acronyms like 'DMV', you will transition from 'D' to 'M' to 'V'. For the 'M', quickly bring your thumb across your palm and drape the index, middle, and ring fingers over it before shifting into the 'V' handshape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell the difference between 'M' and 'N'?
The key difference lies in the number of fingers resting over your thumb. For the letter 'M', you must rest three fingers (index, middle, and ring) over the thumb. For the letter 'N', you only rest two fingers (index and middle) over the thumb.
Should my palm face forward or toward me?
When fingerspelling the letter 'M', your palm should face outward, toward the person you are communicating with. This is the standard orientation for most letters in the ASL alphabet. Avoid turning your palm inward toward your own body.
Do I need to squeeze my fingers tightly?
No, you should keep your hand relatively relaxed. While the three fingers need to clearly rest over the thumb to form the correct shape, squeezing your hand into a tight fist can cause unnecessary hand fatigue, especially when fingerspelling long words or sentences.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!