Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Memory"

To sign 'memory,' start with your dominant hand in an open, slightly curved '5' shape, with your fingertips resting lightly against your forehead or temple. Pull your hand outward and slightly down away from your head while simultaneously closing your fingers into an 'S' handshape (a fist). The motion should look like you are grabbing a thought from your mind and holding onto it.

Examples Using "Memory" in a Sentence

1

I have a good memory.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'have,' then 'good,' and finish by pulling an open hand from your forehead into a fist for 'memory.'

2

That is a happy memory.

Point to represent 'that,' sign 'happy' with an upward brushing motion on your chest, and then perform the sign for 'memory' at your temple.

3

My memory is bad.

Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'memory,' and then sign 'bad.' Be sure to use a frustrated or disappointed facial expression to match the meaning.

How to Sign "Memory"
To sign 'memory,' start with your dominant hand in an open, slightly curved '5' shape, with your fingertips resting lightly against your forehead or temple. Pull your hand outward and slightly down away from your head while simultaneously closing your fingers into an 'S' handshape (a fist). The motion should look like you are grabbing a thought from your mind and holding onto it.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually logical. The forehead represents the mind or brain where thoughts reside. The action of starting with an open hand and pulling it into a closed fist symbolizes physically grabbing a thought and holding onto it tightly, perfectly representing the concept of retaining a memory.
Signing Tips
Focus on the transition between the handshapes. The sign should be a smooth, deliberate motion that clearly shows the open hand at the forehead transforming into a tight fist as it moves away. Keep the movement relatively close to your face.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is starting the sign too far away from the head. Ensure your fingertips actually touch or come very close to your forehead at the beginning. Another mistake is failing to fully close the hand into a fist at the end of the sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Memory" in a Sentence
1

I have a good memory.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'have,' then 'good,' and finish by pulling an open hand from your forehead into a fist for 'memory.'

2

That is a happy memory.

Point to represent 'that,' sign 'happy' with an upward brushing motion on your chest, and then perform the sign for 'memory' at your temple.

3

My memory is bad.

Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'memory,' and then sign 'bad.' Be sure to use a frustrated or disappointed facial expression to match the meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'memory' the same as 'memorize'?

They are very closely related and use the same base movement. 'Memory' is typically a single, smooth pull. 'Memorize' might be signed with a slightly more intense, deliberate, or sometimes repeated grabbing motion to emphasize the active effort of committing information to your brain.

Which hand should I use to sign 'memory'?

You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand at the right side of your forehead. If you are left-handed, use your left hand at the left side.

Do my fingers need to touch my forehead?

Yes, it is best practice to have your fingertips lightly touch your forehead or temple at the very beginning of the sign before you pull your hand away and close it into a fist.

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