How to Sign "My Turn"

To sign "my turn," form an "L" handshape with your dominant hand by extending your thumb and index finger while curling your other fingers. Start with your hand in front of you, thumb pointing up and index finger pointing forward. Then, twist your wrist inward toward your body so that your thumb ends up pointing directly at your chest. The movement is a single, quick rotation.

Examples Using "My Turn" in a Sentence

1

It's my turn to play the game.

Sign "my turn" using the inward twisting motion, followed by the signs for "play" and "game" to claim your spot in the activity.

2

Wait, is it my turn?

Sign "wait," then sign "my turn" while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

Now it's my turn to choose.

Start with the sign for "now," then sign "my turn," and finish with the sign for "choose" to show you are taking control of the decision.

How to Sign "My Turn"
To sign "my turn," form an "L" handshape with your dominant hand by extending your thumb and index finger while curling your other fingers. Start with your hand in front of you, thumb pointing up and index finger pointing forward. Then, twist your wrist inward toward your body so that your thumb ends up pointing directly at your chest. The movement is a single, quick rotation.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign relies on the "L" handshape, which is commonly used in ASL to represent a turn, shift, or change in sequence. By twisting the hand inward toward the body, the signer visually indicates that the shift in action is coming directly to them.
Signing Tips
Make sure the inward twist is distinct and points clearly toward your chest, emphasizing that the turn belongs to you. Keep the movement localized to your wrist rather than moving your entire arm.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pointing at yourself with just your index finger instead of using the "L" handshape. Another error is twisting the hand outward instead of inward; remember, the thumb must end up pointing toward you.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "My Turn" in a Sentence
1

It's my turn to play the game.

Sign "my turn" using the inward twisting motion, followed by the signs for "play" and "game" to claim your spot in the activity.

2

Wait, is it my turn?

Sign "wait," then sign "my turn" while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate you are asking a yes/no question.

3

Now it's my turn to choose.

Start with the sign for "now," then sign "my turn," and finish with the sign for "choose" to show you are taking control of the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign 'your turn' instead of 'my turn'?

To sign 'your turn,' use the exact same 'L' handshape, but instead of twisting your wrist inward, twist it outward so that your thumb points toward the person you are speaking to.

Can I use this sign for turning a car or turning around?

No, this sign is specifically used for taking turns in a game, conversation, or activity. Turning a vehicle or physically turning your body uses completely different signs that mimic those specific actions.

Do I need to physically touch my chest when signing this?

No, you do not need to touch your chest. The inward twist of the wrist so that your thumb points toward your body is enough to clearly convey the meaning of 'my turn.'

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