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How To Sign Don't Understand
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "Don't Understand" in American Sign Language (ASL), start with your dominant hand in a "1" handshape at your forehead, then move it away while shaking your head and showing a confused facial expression.
📖 Word definition
To be unable to comprehend or grasp the meaning, significance, or explanation of something.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended, other fingers closed).
  2. Starting Position: Index finger touches or points to your forehead/temple area.
  3. Movement: Move hand away from forehead in a slight outward motion.
  4. Path: Short, deliberate movement away from the head showing confusion.
  5. Hand Orientation: Palm faces toward your head initially, then turns slightly outward.
  6. Facial Expression: Confused look with furrowed brow, head shake, and questioning expression.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong finger: Use index finger only, not multiple fingers or whole hand.

❌ No facial expression: Must show confusion and shake head for emphasis.

❌ Wrong location: Touch forehead/temple area, not other parts of face.

❌ Too big movement: Keep movement small and controlled, not dramatic.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I don't understand math."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to yourself) → sign "don't understand" (finger from forehead, confused face) → sign "math" (M hands multiply motion).
"She doesn't understand English."
How to sign: Sign "she" (point to her) → sign "don't understand" → sign "English" (both hands grab and shake imaginary reins).
"Do you understand the question?"
How to sign: Sign "you" (point forward) → sign "understand" (finger snaps up from forehead) → sign "question" (draw question mark in air with index finger).