Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Remember"

The sign 'remember' uses both hands. Curl both hands into fists, with the thumbs outstretched. With the non-dominant hand at your chest, rotate the hand so the palm faces up. Bring the dominant hand up to tap the thumb against the forehead, then bring the dominant hand down to tap the tip of the dominant thumb to the non-dominant thumb.

Examples Using "Remember" in a Sentence

1

I remember you.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', sign 'remember' by bringing your dominant thumb from your forehead down to your non-dominant thumb, and then point to the person to sign 'you'.

2

Do you remember my name?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'remember', sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'name' by tapping your 'H' hands together, and raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

I can't remember.

Point to yourself, sign 'can't' by striking your dominant index finger over your non-dominant index finger, then sign 'remember' while shaking your head slightly to emphasize the negative meaning.

How to Sign "Remember"
The sign 'remember' uses both hands. Curl both hands into fists, with the thumbs outstretched. With the non-dominant hand at your chest, rotate the hand so the palm faces up. Bring the dominant hand up to tap the thumb against the forehead, then bring the dominant hand down to tap the tip of the dominant thumb to the non-dominant thumb.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'remember' is highly visual and conceptually grounded in how we think about the mind. In ASL, the forehead area is the location for many signs related to cognition, thinking, and memory. By touching your forehead and bringing that thought down to 'pin' or 'stamp' it onto your stationary non-dominant hand, you are visually taking a fleeting thought and securing it firmly in place so it won't be forgotten.
Signing Tips
When signing 'remember,' focus on the clear trajectory of your dominant hand. It should start with a distinct tap on the forehead—representing the mind—and move deliberately down to the stationary non-dominant hand. Keep your non-dominant hand steady at chest level to act as a solid target. Make sure your thumbs are clearly extended from your fists, similar to an 'A' handshape, so the tips can easily connect. A smooth, confident motion helps make the sign look natural.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is moving both hands at the same time, or bringing the non-dominant hand up to meet the dominant hand halfway. To sign this correctly, your non-dominant hand must remain completely still at chest level. Only the dominant hand should travel from the forehead downward. Another mistake is using the index finger instead of the thumb; make sure your hands are curled into fists with only the thumbs outstretched.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Remember" in a Sentence
1

I remember you.

Point to yourself to sign 'I', sign 'remember' by bringing your dominant thumb from your forehead down to your non-dominant thumb, and then point to the person to sign 'you'.

2

Do you remember my name?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'remember', sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'name' by tapping your 'H' hands together, and raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

I can't remember.

Point to yourself, sign 'can't' by striking your dominant index finger over your non-dominant index finger, then sign 'remember' while shaking your head slightly to emphasize the negative meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand touches my forehead?

Yes, you should always use your dominant hand to touch your forehead and move downward. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base at your chest.

What handshape am I making exactly?

Both hands form what is known as an 'A' handshape in ASL, but with the thumbs extended slightly more outward so the tips can easily tap together. Think of it like making a fist with the thumb resting alongside it.

How hard should I tap my thumbs together?

A gentle but firm tap is perfect. You don't want to slam your hands together, but the contact should be clear and deliberate to show that the thought has been successfully 'secured.'

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