Learning how to sign my in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “My” is how toddlers stake their claim before they can say the word. A flat hand pressed to the chest says “this belongs to me” — toddlers usually start using it between 12 and 16 months, often appearing right after “me.”
How to Sign “My” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Hold your hand flat, fingers together, palm facing you.
- Place it on your chest: Press the palm against your chest, fingertips pointing up.
- Hold it: Keep it there for one or two seconds. The contact is the sign.
“Mine” uses the same sign — press the flat hand to the chest just as you would for “my.”
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- Possessive moments: Hand a toy back and say “your toy” — then point to a different toy as “my toy.”
- Labeling belongings: “My cup, your cup” while setting the table.
- During sharing disputes: Model “my” calmly, then model “your” — naming both sides reduces conflict.
Tips for Success
- Expect “my” to appear before “your” — self-reference is cognitively easier.
- A fist thumped on the chest often comes first; accept it and keep modeling the flat hand.
- Pair with “your” (flat hand pushed outward) once “my” is solid.
Signs Related to “My”
“Me” (index finger to the chest) and “our” (flat hand sweeping from one shoulder to the other) round out the possessive set. “My” appears in nearly every early-intervention core vocabulary list.
Toddlers develop a sense of ownership around 14–18 months, which is why possessive pronouns like “my” surge in this period alongside the spoken word “mine.”
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 my in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for my as early as 12–16 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 my?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for my 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 my the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for my. 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.