How to Sign "Your"
to sign 'your', use your flat dominant hand. press the hand out in front of you, with the palm facing outwards. this sign is directional; orient the palm towards the person you are referring to.
Examples Using "Your" in a Sentence
1
What is your name?
Sign 'WHAT', then push your flat dominant hand toward the person to sign 'YOUR', followed by 'NAME'. Keep your eyebrows furrowed throughout the sentence to indicate a 'wh-' question.
2
I like your shirt.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LIKE', then push your flat hand toward the person for 'YOUR', and finally sign 'SHIRT'. Ensure your palm is fully facing the person.
3
Is this your book?
Push your flat hand toward the person to sign 'YOUR', then sign 'BOOK'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
How to Sign "Your"
to sign 'your', use your flat dominant hand. press the hand out in front of you, with the palm facing outwards. this sign is directional; orient the palm towards the person you are referring to.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In ASL, pronouns follow a highly logical and visual system. Personal pronouns (like I, you, he, she) use an index finger to point directly at the person. Possessive pronouns (like my, your, his, her) use a flat hand pressed toward the owner. This flat hand visually represents a boundary of ownership, symbolically pushing the possession toward the rightful owner. It is a consistent rule that makes learning ASL grammar very intuitive.
Signing Tips
Focus on the flat handshape. Possessive pronouns in ASL (like your, my, his, hers) always use a flat 'B' handshape. Make sure your fingers are together and your palm is fully facing the person you are talking to. The movement should be a single, firm push forward to clearly establish ownership. Don't let your fingers separate, as a clean, flat palm is essential for clarity.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is using an index finger to point instead of a flat hand. Pointing with the index finger means 'you' (the person), while the flat hand means 'your' (possession). Mixing these up changes the grammatical meaning of your sentence entirely, making you sign 'you name' instead of 'your name.' Always double-check that your palm is open and flat when indicating ownership.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Your" in a Sentence
1What is your name?
Sign 'WHAT', then push your flat dominant hand toward the person to sign 'YOUR', followed by 'NAME'. Keep your eyebrows furrowed throughout the sentence to indicate a 'wh-' question.
2I like your shirt.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LIKE', then push your flat hand toward the person for 'YOUR', and finally sign 'SHIRT'. Ensure your palm is fully facing the person.
3Is this your book?
Push your flat hand toward the person to sign 'YOUR', then sign 'BOOK'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'you' and 'your' in ASL?
The difference is entirely in the handshape! 'You' is signed by pointing your index finger at the person. 'Your' is signed by pushing a flat hand (palm facing them) toward the person. Remember: flat hand equals possession.
How do I sign 'your' if I'm talking to multiple people?
To sign 'your' (plural), use the same flat handshape but sweep it in a horizontal arc across the group of people you are addressing, rather than just pushing it straight forward at one single person.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'your'?
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to press forward. Consistency with your dominant hand makes your signing much easier and more natural for others to read.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!