Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Owner"

To sign 'owner,' you will combine the signs for 'own' and the 'person' marker. Start by bringing both hands to your chest with your fingers bent inward, lightly touching your chest. Then, change both hands to flat handshapes with your palms facing each other, and move them straight down in front of your body to indicate a person.

Examples Using "Owner" in a Sentence

1

Are you the owner of this car?

Sign 'car', point to the vehicle, then sign 'owner' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly to ask a yes/no question.

2

The store owner is very friendly.

Sign 'store' followed by 'owner', then finish the sentence by signing 'friendly' with a warm, welcoming facial expression.

3

I am a proud dog owner.

Point to yourself, sign 'proud', then sign 'dog' followed immediately by the sign for 'owner'.

How to Sign "Owner"
To sign 'owner,' you will combine the signs for 'own' and the 'person' marker. Start by bringing both hands to your chest with your fingers bent inward, lightly touching your chest. Then, change both hands to flat handshapes with your palms facing each other, and move them straight down in front of your body to indicate a person.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound of two distinct concepts. The first part brings the hands directly to the chest, visually representing holding, keeping, or possessing something close to yourself. The second part uses flat hands moving downward to outline the sides of a human body. This downward motion is known as the 'agent marker' or 'person marker' in ASL, and it transforms the verb 'own' into the noun 'owner.'
Signing Tips
Make sure to clearly separate the two parts of the sign to ensure your meaning is understood. The first part, where your bent fingers touch your chest, establishes the concept of possession. The second part, the downward movement of the flat hands, is crucial because it indicates that you are talking about a person. Keep the downward movement smooth and parallel, stopping at about waist level.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is forgetting to add the 'person' marker at the end of the sign. Without the downward movement of the flat hands, you are simply signing the verb 'own' or 'have.' Another common error is making the 'person' marker too wide; keep your hands about shoulder-width apart as they move down to keep the sign looking natural and concise.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Owner" in a Sentence
1

Are you the owner of this car?

Sign 'car', point to the vehicle, then sign 'owner' while raising your eyebrows and leaning forward slightly to ask a yes/no question.

2

The store owner is very friendly.

Sign 'store' followed by 'owner', then finish the sentence by signing 'friendly' with a warm, welcoming facial expression.

3

I am a proud dog owner.

Point to yourself, sign 'proud', then sign 'dog' followed immediately by the sign for 'owner'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this sign have two distinct movements?

In ASL, many professions or titles are created by combining an action or concept with the 'person' marker. Here, you are combining the verb 'own' with the 'person' marker to literally mean 'a person who owns'.

Is the first part of the sign the same as 'have'?

Yes, the first part of the sign uses the same motion and handshape as the sign for 'have' or 'own,' where the bent fingers touch the chest to show possession.

Do I need to mouth the word 'owner' while signing?

You don't need to over-enunciate, but naturally mouthing the word 'owner' can help clarify your meaning, especially since the first part of the sign overlaps with the common sign for 'have'.

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