How to Sign "Myself"
Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb extended upward. Bring your hand to the center of your chest. Gently tap the thumb side of your fist against your chest twice.
Examples Using "Myself" in a Sentence
1
I want to do it myself.
Sign 'I', 'want', 'do', and then 'myself'. You can tap your chest a bit more firmly to emphasize your independence and determination.
2
I bought a coffee for myself.
Sign 'I', 'buy', 'coffee', followed by 'myself'. Placing 'myself' at the end of the sentence clearly indicates who received the item.
3
I hurt myself.
Sign 'I', 'hurt', 'myself'. Be sure to use a facial expression that conveys pain or surprise to match the context of an accident.
How to Sign "Myself"
Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb extended upward. Bring your hand to the center of your chest. Gently tap the thumb side of your fist against your chest twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In ASL, reflexive pronouns (words ending in '-self') are typically signed using an 'A' handshape. By placing this 'self' handshape on the chest—the natural location for first-person concepts—the sign visually and logically translates to 'myself'.
Signing Tips
Make sure your thumb is clearly visible and pointing upward. The contact should be made with the side of your thumb and index finger (the thumb side of the fist) against your chest. Keep the taps light and controlled.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is confusing 'myself' with 'my' or 'me'. Remember that 'my' uses a flat palm and 'me' uses an index finger. Using the 'A' handshape is crucial for reflexive pronouns like 'myself'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Myself" in a Sentence
1I want to do it myself.
Sign 'I', 'want', 'do', and then 'myself'. You can tap your chest a bit more firmly to emphasize your independence and determination.
2I bought a coffee for myself.
Sign 'I', 'buy', 'coffee', followed by 'myself'. Placing 'myself' at the end of the sentence clearly indicates who received the item.
3I hurt myself.
Sign 'I', 'hurt', 'myself'. Be sure to use a facial expression that conveys pain or surprise to match the context of an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign 'yourself' or 'themselves'?
The 'A' handshape is used for all reflexive pronouns. For 'yourself', you push the 'A' handshape toward the person you are talking to. For 'themselves', you sweep the 'A' handshape toward a group.
Is 'myself' signed with one or two taps?
It is typically signed with two quick taps against the chest, though in fast, fluent conversation, it might be reduced to a single, firm tap.
Can I use this sign to mean 'alone'?
No, 'alone' or 'by myself' has a different sign, which uses the '1' handshape making small circles in front of the body. 'Myself' is used specifically as a reflexive pronoun.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!