How to Sign "My"
To make the sign my, take your dominant hand i the closed 5 handshape and place it palm in on your chest.
Examples Using "My" in a Sentence
1
My name is John.
Start by placing your flat dominant hand on your chest to sign 'my', then sign 'name' and fingerspell J-O-H-N.
2
This is my favorite book.
Point to the book, place your flat hand on your chest for 'my', and then follow up with the signs for 'favorite' and 'book'.
3
My family lives here.
Begin with your dominant hand in the closed 5 handshape on your chest for 'my', then sign 'family', 'live', and 'here'.
How to Sign "My"
To make the sign my, take your dominant hand i the closed 5 handshape and place it palm in on your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'my' relies on the natural, intuitive gesture of bringing something close to oneself to indicate ownership. The flat hand placed firmly against the chest visually represents claiming something as your own. In ASL grammar, flat hands directed toward a person generally indicate possessive pronouns.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers close together in the closed 5 handshape to make the sign look neat and intentional. Ensure your palm makes gentle, firm contact with your chest. A single placement is standard; avoid patting your chest repeatedly unless you are trying to add strong emphasis.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is pointing to their chest with an index finger. Pointing with the index finger means 'I' or 'me'. To show possession like 'my' or 'mine', you must use the flat, closed 5 handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "My" in a Sentence
1My name is John.
Start by placing your flat dominant hand on your chest to sign 'my', then sign 'name' and fingerspell J-O-H-N.
2This is my favorite book.
Point to the book, place your flat hand on your chest for 'my', and then follow up with the signs for 'favorite' and 'book'.
3My family lives here.
Begin with your dominant hand in the closed 5 handshape on your chest for 'my', then sign 'family', 'live', and 'here'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'I' and 'my' in ASL?
The difference lies entirely in the handshape. To sign 'I' or 'me', you point to your chest with your index finger. To sign 'my' or 'mine', you place a flat hand (the closed 5 handshape) against your chest.
Do I need to tap my chest multiple times?
No, a single, firm placement of your flat hand against your chest is correct. Tapping it multiple times might look like you are adding heavy emphasis or emotion, which isn't necessary for standard, everyday sentences.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'my'?
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, place your flat right hand on your chest. Keeping your dominant hand consistent throughout your sentences helps your signing look smooth and natural.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!