How to Sign "Missed"

Start with your dominant hand in an open 'C' or loose '5' shape near the side of your mouth, with your palm facing toward you. Move your hand across your face to the opposite side, closing it into an 'S' fist as it passes your chin. The movement should be quick and decisive.

Examples Using "Missed" in a Sentence

1

I missed the bus this morning.

Establish the time by signing 'morning', then sign 'bus', and follow it with the sign for 'missed' to show you failed to catch it.

2

She missed the ball during the game.

Sign 'game' to set the context, point to 'her', sign 'ball', and use the 'missed' sign to show she didn't catch it.

3

I missed the meeting yesterday.

Sign 'yesterday' to indicate the past tense, then sign 'meeting', and finish with the sign for 'missed'.

How to Sign "Missed"
Start with your dominant hand in an open 'C' or loose '5' shape near the side of your mouth, with your palm facing toward you. Move your hand across your face to the opposite side, closing it into an 'S' fist as it passes your chin. The movement should be quick and decisive.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents the act of trying to catch or grab something as it flies past your face. Your hand closes into a fist, but because you 'missed' it, you end up grasping nothing but air.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement sharp and quick to convey the suddenness of missing something. Ensure your hand closes into a tight 'S' fist exactly as it crosses your chin, emphasizing the action of grasping at empty air.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using this sign when you mean you emotionally miss a person. Remember, this sign is for failing to catch or attend something; to say 'I miss you,' you should point your index finger at your chin.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Missed" in a Sentence
1

I missed the bus this morning.

Establish the time by signing 'morning', then sign 'bus', and follow it with the sign for 'missed' to show you failed to catch it.

2

She missed the ball during the game.

Sign 'game' to set the context, point to 'her', sign 'ball', and use the 'missed' sign to show she didn't catch it.

3

I missed the meeting yesterday.

Sign 'yesterday' to indicate the past tense, then sign 'meeting', and finish with the sign for 'missed'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to say I miss my family?

No, this sign is specifically for failing to catch, hit, or attend something (like a bus or a meeting). To express that you emotionally miss someone, point your index finger at your chin.

How do I show that 'missed' happened in the past?

In ASL, verbs don't change their form for past tense. You simply establish the timeframe at the beginning of your sentence using a time sign like 'yesterday' or 'past', and then use the standard sign for 'miss'.

Can this sign be used for missing a question on a test?

Yes! This sign is commonly used to indicate guessing wrong, making an error, or missing an answer on a test or assignment.

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