How to Sign "To Me"
Start with your dominant hand in a "1" handshape, with your index finger extended and pointing slightly outward or up. Bring your hand inward to point the tip of your index finger directly at your chest, touching it.
Examples Using "To Me" in a Sentence
1
Please give that to me.
You can sign 'give' and then use the 'to me' sign to emphasize the destination, or simply use a directional verb moving toward your chest.
2
She explained the rules to me.
Sign 'she' and 'explain', then use the 'to me' sign to clarify that you were the one receiving the explanation.
3
Send the email to me.
Sign 'email' and then point to yourself using the 'to me' sign to show exactly where the message needs to go.
How to Sign "To Me"
Start with your dominant hand in a "1" handshape, with your index finger extended and pointing slightly outward or up. Bring your hand inward to point the tip of your index finger directly at your chest, touching it.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly intuitive and relies on natural gesturing. Pointing to oneself is a universal human gesture for indicating 'me' or directing attention to oneself. In ASL, the movement from an outward position inward to the chest visually maps the path of an object or action traveling from somewhere else directly to the signer.
Signing Tips
When signing 'to me,' make sure the movement is clear and deliberate. The starting point of your index finger can vary slightly depending on who or where the action is coming from. For example, if someone on your left is giving you something, you might start the point slightly to the left before bringing it to your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the flat 'B' handshape (which means 'my' or 'mine') instead of the '1' handshape (index finger). Remember that pointing with the index finger indicates a pronoun like 'me' or a directional action, whereas the flat palm indicates possession. Another mistake is stopping the movement too far from your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "To Me" in a Sentence
1Please give that to me.
You can sign 'give' and then use the 'to me' sign to emphasize the destination, or simply use a directional verb moving toward your chest.
2She explained the rules to me.
Sign 'she' and 'explain', then use the 'to me' sign to clarify that you were the one receiving the explanation.
3Send the email to me.
Sign 'email' and then point to yourself using the 'to me' sign to show exactly where the message needs to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'me' and 'my' in ASL?
The sign for 'me' uses an index finger pointing at your chest, while 'my' uses a flat palm placed on your chest. Using the correct handshape is important to distinguish between being the receiver of an action and showing ownership.
Do I always need to sign 'to me' after a verb?
Not always! Many ASL verbs are 'directional,' meaning you can change the movement of the verb itself to show who is doing what to whom. For example, you can sign 'give' by moving your hand directly toward your chest, which already includes the meaning of 'to me.'
Which hand should I use to sign 'to me'?
You should generally use your dominant hand to sign 'to me.' If you are right-handed, use your right index finger; if you are left-handed, use your left index finger.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!