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How To Sign DAD
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "DAD" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a "5" handshape with thumb extended, tap your forehead twice with your thumb, representing the masculine sign for father.
📖 Word definition
One's father; a male parent or father figure in a family.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "5" handshape with thumb prominently extended.
  2. Starting Position: Hand positioned near the forehead, thumb pointing toward the forehead.
  3. Movement: Tap the forehead twice with the thumb in a gentle, deliberate motion.
  4. Path: Direct contact between thumb and forehead, no arc movement needed.
  5. Hand Orientation: Palm faces slightly outward, thumb makes clear contact with forehead.
  6. Facial Expression: Neutral to warm expression, appropriate for family context.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong location: Sign at forehead, not chin (chin is for "MOM").

❌ Wrong handshape: Use open "5" hand with thumb, not closed fist.

❌ Single tap: Use two distinct taps for clarity.

❌ Wrong finger: Use thumb to tap, not index finger or whole hand.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"My dad is tall."
How to sign: Sign "my" (flat hand on chest) → sign "dad" (thumb taps forehead twice) → sign "tall" (index finger moves up from flat palm).
"Dad works hard."
How to sign: Sign "dad" (thumb taps forehead) → sign "work" (fists hit together repeatedly) → sign "hard" (bent V hands strike together firmly).
"I love my dad."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to self) → sign "love" (crossed arms over heart) → sign "my" (flat hand on chest) → sign "dad" (thumb taps forehead twice).