Learning how to sign our in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Our” teaches toddlers that things can belong to everyone. A flat hand sweeps from one shoulder to the other in a generous arc. Most toddlers pick it up between 14 and 18 months, often right after “my.”
How to Sign “Our” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Hold your dominant hand flat, palm facing inward.
- Start on your side: Place it at your chest on the dominant-hand side.
- Sweep across: Arc the hand to the other side of your chest, palm still inward.
“Our” covers everything on both sides — like spreading your arms to say “all of this is ours.”
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Shared possessions: “Our house, our dog, our dinner” — sign as you name family belongings.
- Team play: “Our tower” after building together reinforces shared pride.
- At the playground: “Our slide” — then model sharing it with others.
Tips for Success
- Teach “my” first — toddlers understand individual ownership before collective.
- Use a relaxed, open hand; the sweep should feel generous.
- Pair it with “your” (flat hand pushed outward) so toddlers see: my / our / your.
Signs Related to “Our”
“My” (flat hand pressed to the chest) and “your” (flat hand pushed toward the other person) complete the possessive trio. Toddlers who sign possessives navigate sharing and turn-taking more easily.
The sweep across the chest in “our” and “us” uses the same spatial logic: ASL uses horizontal arcs to include multiple people in a single sign.
Learn more: National Association of the Deaf — ASL resources and advocacy from the National Association of the Deaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start teaching my baby how to sign our in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for our as early as 14–18 months. Babies understand signs before they can produce them, so start modeling it consistently and reward any attempt — even an approximation — with the item or action right away.
How long does it take for a baby to learn to sign our?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for our within two to four weeks of consistent daily modeling. Frequency matters more than perfect form at this stage — sign it every time the word comes up naturally in your routine.
Is the ASL sign for our the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for our. Using real ASL rather than invented gestures means your child’s signs will be understood by Deaf signers and build a foundation for learning more ASL as they grow.