How to Sign "Mouth"

To sign mouth, form the '1' handshape by extending the index finger of your dominant hand while tucking your other fingers away. Bring your index finger up to your face, pointing it at one corner of your mouth. Gently trace the outline of your lower lip across to the opposite corner. Your palm should face inward toward your body throughout the motion.

Examples Using "Mouth" in a Sentence

1

My mouth is dry.

Point to yourself to indicate 'my', sign 'mouth' by tracing your lower lip with your index finger, and then sign 'dry' by pulling your index finger across your chin.

2

Please close your mouth.

Start with the sign for 'please' by rubbing your chest in a circular motion, sign 'close' using both hands, and finish by pointing to and tracing your mouth.

3

The dentist looked in my mouth.

Sign 'dentist' by tapping your teeth, indicate looking inward, and then sign 'mouth' by tracing your lip to show exactly where the dentist was examining.

How to Sign "Mouth"
To sign mouth, form the '1' handshape by extending the index finger of your dominant hand while tucking your other fingers away. Bring your index finger up to your face, pointing it at one corner of your mouth. Gently trace the outline of your lower lip across to the opposite corner. Your palm should face inward toward your body throughout the motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for mouth is highly iconic and indexical, meaning it directly points to and outlines the body part it represents. By using the index finger to trace the shape of the lip, the sign visually maps out the physical location and contour of the mouth. This straightforward pointing method is very common in ASL for basic anatomy.
Signing Tips
When signing mouth, keep your movement smooth and natural. You do not need to press your finger hard against your face; a light touch or even hovering just slightly above the skin is perfectly fine. Since this sign draws attention directly to your face, it is a great opportunity to practice clear, expressive non-manual markers and ensure your mouth is visible.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using the whole flat hand to cover the mouth instead of just the index finger. Covering your mouth is actually a gesture for 'oops' or 'quiet' rather than the noun for mouth. Another mistake is tracing a massive circle around the entire mouth area; the standard sign simply traces the lip line.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Mouth" in a Sentence
1

My mouth is dry.

Point to yourself to indicate 'my', sign 'mouth' by tracing your lower lip with your index finger, and then sign 'dry' by pulling your index finger across your chin.

2

Please close your mouth.

Start with the sign for 'please' by rubbing your chest in a circular motion, sign 'close' using both hands, and finish by pointing to and tracing your mouth.

3

The dentist looked in my mouth.

Sign 'dentist' by tapping your teeth, indicate looking inward, and then sign 'mouth' by tracing your lip to show exactly where the dentist was examining.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I trace my top lip or my bottom lip?

You generally trace your bottom lip or the space right between your lips. Start at one corner of your mouth and smoothly move your index finger across to the other corner.

Can I use either hand to sign mouth?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right index finger to trace your mouth. If you are left-handed, use your left index finger.

Is this sign the same as the sign for 'speak' or 'say'?

No, they are different. While mouth simply outlines the lips to indicate the body part, 'speak' or 'say' involves tapping the index finger near the mouth and moving it outward to represent words coming out.

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