How to Sign "Mind"

To sign "mind," form your dominant hand into a "1" handshape by extending your index finger while keeping your other fingers curled. Bring your hand up to the side of your forehead, near your temple. Gently tap your index finger against your temple twice. Your palm should be facing somewhat downward or inward toward your head.

Examples Using "Mind" in a Sentence

1

Keep that in mind.

You can sign "mind" by tapping your temple twice to emphasize the mental aspect, followed by the sign for "remember" to convey holding onto that thought.

2

My mind is completely blank.

Start by signing "my," then sign "mind" at your temple. Follow this with the sign for "empty" or "blank" to show that you currently have no thoughts.

3

I changed my mind.

First, sign "mind" by tapping your index finger to your temple. Then, use the sign for "change" by twisting two 'A' handshapes around each other to express the shift in your decision.

How to Sign "Mind"
To sign "mind," form your dominant hand into a "1" handshape by extending your index finger while keeping your other fingers curled. Bring your hand up to the side of your forehead, near your temple. Gently tap your index finger against your temple twice. Your palm should be facing somewhat downward or inward toward your head.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "mind" is highly iconic and visually intuitive. It uses the index finger to point directly to the temple, which represents the brain. By physically highlighting the anatomical location associated with intellect, memory, and thoughts, the sign naturally conveys the concept of the mind.
Signing Tips
When signing "mind," keep your movement controlled and ensure the tap is gentle. Placing the sign clearly on the side of the head (the temple) rather than the front helps ensure your meaning is clear. Pair the sign with a thoughtful facial expression if you are discussing deep thoughts or decisions.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is tapping the center of the forehead instead of the side near the temple. Tapping the center of the forehead can make the sign look like "think" or "know." Additionally, be careful to only extend your index finger; using a flat hand changes the meaning entirely.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Mind" in a Sentence
1

Keep that in mind.

You can sign "mind" by tapping your temple twice to emphasize the mental aspect, followed by the sign for "remember" to convey holding onto that thought.

2

My mind is completely blank.

Start by signing "my," then sign "mind" at your temple. Follow this with the sign for "empty" or "blank" to show that you currently have no thoughts.

3

I changed my mind.

First, sign "mind" by tapping your index finger to your temple. Then, use the sign for "change" by twisting two 'A' handshapes around each other to express the shift in your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between "mind" and "think" in ASL?

While both signs use the "1" handshape near the head, "think" is typically a single movement pointing to or touching the forehead. "Mind" usually involves a double tap on the side of the forehead (the temple) to refer to the intellect itself.

Should I use my right or left hand to sign "mind"?

You should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like "mind." If you are right-handed, use your right hand on the right side of your head. If you are left-handed, use your left hand on the left side.

Does this sign also mean "brain"?

Yes, depending on the context of your sentence, this same sign can be used to mean "brain," "intellect," or "mental." The concept of the physical brain and the abstract mind share this location-based sign.

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