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How To Sign THINK
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "THINK" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your dominant hand in a "1" handshape and tap your index finger to your temple or forehead, representing mental activity and thought processes.
📖 Word definition
To have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something; to use one's mind to consider or reason about something.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended, other fingers closed).
  2. Starting Position: Hand positioned near the side of your head, index finger pointing toward temple.
  3. Movement: Tap index finger gently against temple or forehead once or twice.
  4. Path: Small, controlled tapping motion directly to the head.
  5. Hand Orientation: Index finger points toward and touches the temple area.
  6. Facial Expression: Thoughtful or concentrated expression, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

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

❌ Wrong location: Touch temple/forehead area, not cheek or ear.

❌ Too forceful: Gentle tap, don't press hard against head.

❌ No contact: Finger must actually touch the head, not hover near it.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I think you're right."
How to sign: Point to yourself "I" → sign "think" (finger to temple) → point to person "you" → sign "right" (R hand moves forward with confidence).
"What do you think?"
How to sign: Sign "what" (index fingers wiggle) → sign "you" (point forward) → sign "think" (finger to temple) → questioning facial expression throughout.
"I need to think about it."
How to sign: Point to yourself "I" → sign "need" (X hand moves down) → sign "think" → sign "about" (finger circles around other hand) → point "it".