Learning how to sign you in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “You” lets a toddler name the person in front of them before words arrive. It is a single index finger pointed directly at the other person — the mirror of “me” — and most toddlers catch on between 10 and 14 months.
How to Sign “You” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshape: Extend your index finger, curl the others.
- Point outward: Aim the fingertip directly at the person you mean.
- Hold briefly: One clear point is the sign — no tapping needed.
Like “me,” this sign uses a pointing index finger. The only difference is direction: at yourself for “me,” at the other person for “you.”
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- During peek-a-boo: Point and say “I see you!” to give the sign live context.
- At greetings: “I’m happy to see you!” — sign as you say it.
- Turn-taking games: “Your turn — you!” alternates naturally with “me.”
Tips for Success
- Teach “me” and “you” together so the contrast is obvious.
- Babies already point at people they love — this is just giving that gesture a name.
- Pause after the point and let them look at their own finger; the connection usually clicks.
Signs Related to “You”
“Me” (same finger aimed at the signer’s chest) is the immediate pair, and “us” (the index sweeping from one side of the chest to the other) groups both people together.
Pointing is one of the earliest intentional communicative gestures in babies, usually appearing around 9–12 months — which is why “you” and “me” are among the first signs learned.
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 you in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for you 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 you?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for you 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 you the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for you. 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.