How to Sign "Your Mom"

To sign 'your mom', you will combine two separate signs. First, sign 'your' by pushing a flat, open hand forward toward the person you are talking to, with your palm facing them. Then, sign 'mom' by bringing an open '5' handshape to your face and tapping your thumb against your chin.

Examples Using "Your Mom" in a Sentence

1

Is your mom coming?

Sign 'your mom' followed by the sign for 'come', while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

2

I met your mom.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'meet' moving outward, and then sign 'your mom'.

3

Your mom is nice.

Sign 'your mom' and then sign 'nice' by sliding one flat hand over the other.

How to Sign "Your Mom"
To sign 'your mom', you will combine two separate signs. First, sign 'your' by pushing a flat, open hand forward toward the person you are talking to, with your palm facing them. Then, sign 'mom' by bringing an open '5' handshape to your face and tapping your thumb against your chin.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase combines two foundational ASL concepts. The flat palm used in 'your' is the standard handshape for possessive pronouns, indicating ownership. The sign for 'mom' is placed at the chin, following the ASL convention where female-related signs are located on the lower half of the face.
Signing Tips
When signing 'your mom', make sure to clearly distinguish the two signs. Use a flat, open palm for 'your' rather than pointing with your index finger. For 'mom', keep your fingers spread open and ensure only the tip of your thumb taps your chin. Use your dominant hand for both movements.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pointing with the index finger instead of using a flat palm for 'your', which changes the meaning to 'you mom'. Another frequent error is tapping the forehead instead of the chin for the second part, which changes the meaning to 'your dad'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Your Mom" in a Sentence
1

Is your mom coming?

Sign 'your mom' followed by the sign for 'come', while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

2

I met your mom.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'meet' moving outward, and then sign 'your mom'.

3

Your mom is nice.

Sign 'your mom' and then sign 'nice' by sliding one flat hand over the other.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I use a flat hand for 'your' instead of pointing?

In ASL, a flat palm facing outward indicates possession (like your, his, or hers). Pointing with an index finger is used for personal pronouns (like you, he, or she). Using the flat hand clarifies that you mean 'your' and not 'you'.

Can I sign 'mom' first and then 'your'?

In ASL, possessive adjectives like 'your' typically precede the noun they modify, similar to English word order. Therefore, it is most natural and grammatically correct to sign 'your' before 'mom'.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign this?

You should use your dominant hand for both signs. If you are right-handed, push your right flat hand forward for 'your', and then bring your right thumb to your chin for 'mom'.

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