Learning how to sign me in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Me” is often the very first pronoun a signing toddler uses. It is a single index finger pointed at the signer’s chest — so obvious that babies sometimes discover it on their own before you teach it. Most manage it between 10 and 14 months.
How to Sign “Me” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Extend your index finger, curl the others.
- Point to yourself: Aim the fingertip at the center of your chest.
- Touch gently: Let the fingertip graze your sternum. One tap is enough.
The sign is exactly what it looks like — pointing at yourself. Toddlers who already point at objects transfer this skill instantly.
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- At want moments: “Me? You want me?” Model the sign as you point to yourself.
- During turn-taking: “My turn — me!” The sign pairs naturally with the action.
- In mirror play: Point at the mirror, then at yourselves — “that’s you; this is me.”
Tips for Success
- Babies who already point at things learn this immediately — just redirect the point inward.
- Pair “me” and “you” in the same week so the contrast is clear from the start.
- A whole-arm swing toward the chest counts as the first version.
Signs Related to “Me”
“You” (the same finger aimed outward at the other person) is the natural pair, and “my” (a flat hand pressed to the chest) extends the idea to ownership. Together the three pronouns unlock short sentences like “my turn” and “help me.”
Personal pronouns in ASL are indexical — they point to locations in space rather than using arbitrary handshapes, which is part of why they are among the easiest first signs.
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 me in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for me as early as 10–14 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 me?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for me 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 me the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for me. 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.