Learn ASL: Body part signs in American Sign Language

Learn how to sign body parts like BODY, ARM, HEAD, FACE, BACK, and more - all in American Sign Language. This beginner - level video teaches the following basic body part signs, in the following order:
0:12 BODY
0:27 HEAD
0:45 HANDS
1:07 ARM
1:22 LEG
2:03 STOMACH
2:12 BACK and other meanings of "back": • Vlog Lesson: How to si...
2:49 FOOT
3:11 FACE
3:30 EAR
3:43 EYES
3:59 NOSE
4:06 MOUTH
4:32 TEETH
4:49 HAIR
5:00 Review

[@notesthatspeak3756]

I’ve recently taken an interest in ASL, and I’ve learned so much from your channel. Thank you for spreading your knowledge!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank you for the encouraging feedback! So glad you find this useful :) keep signing!

[@unityredd4748]

Hey guys. Just wanted to say that I got this. I’m about to complete module 1 and this course is worth every penny. The tools and resources provided to practice help a lot and she goes slow enough that you really get the idea behind the sign. Also the insights provided into Deaf culture were really amazing as well. My skills have greatly improved in just the short time I have spent. This is definitely a course that’s dependent on how much you put in. I already know that if I stick with it I will be able to hold a conversation and will have a firm foundation to build the rest of my ASL skills on. Thank you Meredith for doing this for us.

[@ASLMeredith]

THANK YOU So much for sharing your experience in the course so far! I'm absolutely thrilled that you're finding it so valuable and already see your skills improving. Way to go!!! Yes - you'll get out what you put in, as always. I'm so glad you're putting in the effort to truly learn and begin conversing in ASL. Thanks again for the positive review :) it means so much to know you're learning.

[@6ny8]

Thanks for your videos. I am a student nurse and did some basic signing today with a patient and his family. It was a good experience for all of us. I just was diagnosed with some hearing loss and did it for me, but it felt so good to share.

[@ASLMeredith]

I'm so glad you're learning ASL to better communicate with patients. Hope it helps!

[@iridescent7816]

I just subscribed a bit ago, and I love how the opportunity to learn sign language just pops up in my inbox now~ Thank you for your hard work!

[@ASLMeredith]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing :) hope you continue to find these videos useful!

[@hannahsmith7693]

I misread your name as iridescent miscarriage... I think I need to actually start sleeping at night

[@richardshelby-dunn9058]

I love the way you show your speech. Especially as a hearing person seeing it from front and side helps a while lot! Can't wait to see bsl too (I have British family)

[@AnokinaShahbaz]

Thanks so much for this! Might be a dumb question, but how do you sign 'hair' if someone has no hair to pinch? Like a bald person?

[@ASLMeredith]

Good question! A bald person would sign HAIR the same way - by pinching near the scalp.

[@xenoblad]

@@ASLMeredith Thanks. I've been cursed with baldness since I was 14 so it's nice to know, though I figure I'll only use it in reference to another persons hair. : P

[@prashantkadam2925]

Anokina Broubakarian deaf

[@girasun8819]

Thank you my 4yr has alopecia and only knew how to sign . "Hair fall off" but wanted a sign for bald

[@pastorvidro4174]

Thank you Meredith good review and GOD Bless you . 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@orestesdelgadojr7935]

Hello Meredith Yes you shows us simple talked about leg so e is not spell reject so fast signs you knows signs correct all signs are correctly perfect! Fantastic Meredith hoorays ! So closely merry Christmas and I really working a lot busy for seven days more three weeks because special space flight! After New Years go be less!

[@catthouser9032]

Excellent. So helpful as usual. Yes..thanks for the reminder that like English some words have multiple meanings.

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank YOU! :D

[@marticasvlogs4487]

I'm so happy learning with your teachings! Thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

thank YOU for the kind feedback! I'm so glad you're finding these useful for learning ASL :)

[@Ereckdj]

Hello from San Jose California everyone. I am here learning something new from my teacher

[@feero9680]

I realized how important sign language is so i continue learning it online after i was introduced to it during scout activities. Luckily, my country is based on ASL and im glad you upload this kind of videos. Thank you.

[@ASLMeredith]

Great that you're continuing to learn!

[@melissa4586]

Hello Meredith. I have been watching your ASL Videos to self teach so I can communicate with my dental patients... I was wondering if you have any videos about dental? I am looking for 1 video that can give me the most ASL in the office rather than go from video to video. If not any recommendations? Some words I'd like to see in 1 video toothbrush, toothpaste, toothache, pain, Allergies, Medical Problems, heart problems, artificial joints, blood thinning medication, Blood Pressure, Take Medications, the drill, lots of water, filling, white filling, silver filling, root canal, crown, extraction, cleaning, gum disease, plaque, calculus, make appointment, payment, anesthesia, topical gel, suction, vibration, you have questions, decay, fractured tooth, nerve, ... Thank you!

[@jjjasmine12]

This is a weird request but I work in a pharmacy, I'm trying to learn some basic ASL because we have about 10 deaf patients and with COVID, we are not allowed to remove our masks so they can read our lips (Most of our patients can read lips who are deaf) could you do a video on basic communication like we don't have your medication, what are you looking for, what is your full name and date of birth, how to sign medications? And so on?

[@kevinmotteram5670]

Hello i have not long found your page and have started to watch and learn to sign so i can talk with my girlfriend and her friends in Thailand thank you for helping me close the language barrier

[@desireec9089]

Kevin Motteram They know ASL and you are learning it to communicate? Can you explain further?

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Kevin, thanks for your message! Glad you're learning sign language to communicate with your friends in Thailand. As a tip - while it's very possible they know ASL (by traveling, or by watching videos online), ASL is *American* Sign Language, and it's likely they use a version of Thai Sign Language, so be prepared to learn their language if needed!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Thanks Meredith, but what about internal organs, like heart, lungs, liver, uterus, or kidneys? Do you fingerspell these organs?? Or pain or illness affecting these organs? TFS! 😘👍🏾

[@videogra5645]

You are so nice and kind. I like to see your smile, it's really cheering up. Thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

Aw, thank YOU! What a kind message. Have a great day!

[@therose227]

I love all your videos. I’ll love how you explain everything.

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks Rosa! I'm so glad you find these useful :)

[@orestesdelgadojr7935]

I promise for try setting learning my pager video so no time ! Busy I am! Cheer great Meredith yesss!

[@Ruby.L07]

In the review you forgot "back" I'm not sure if it matters, just thought I'll let you know. Thank you so much for your videos. I've learned so much from you!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks for the tip! Guess I need an editor... You're hired! ;) thanks for the encouraging feedback. Glad you find these useful.

[@Tenko16]

Thank you ❤

[@ASLMeredith]

You're welcome 😊

[@betsabe3000]

I work in the medical field. Can you make a video of body organs?

[@rebeccadyches5066]

I am a sales associate at a shoe store and my coworkers and I are trying to learn ASL to better help and understand our customers who use ASL. Are there different signs for different shoes? Also how do I ask "Would you like me to measure your foot?" and so on. We would be very grateful if you would teach us

[@scottreacher4620]

Thank you so much for this. This is fantastic. Once again, your rock star shines. :O)

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks!

[@user-hg2he8fj8z]

could u do a more detailed video on body like a part two ? like fingers, toes, nails, wrist, ankle, or would u point to that area?

[@ASLMeredith]

Correct, you'd display/wiggle your fingers for FINGERS, point to your nails, wrists. Fingerspell "toe" or "ankle" ( and then if/as needed either point downward or use your non-dominant hand to act as your 'foot' and point toward the toe in question, or describe what's going on with the ankle)

[@user-hg2he8fj8z]

@@ASLMeredith ahhhhhh I see! thank you for explaining that :)

[@jlostudio9397]

Nice video! You are AWESOME

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks so much! Glad you find this useful

[@Robin-zr4ri]

Thank you so much! Very helpful! 😁

[@ASLMeredith]

Awesome! Thanks for the encouraging feedback :) keep signing!

[@anjatin4392]

AWESOME!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TEACHING!! :)))

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank YOU For the kind feedback! I'm so glad you find these videos useful :)

[@morganmak3437]

Start 0:15. Review 5:02

[@danaallison4392]

Hey thank you so much for your signing lessons they're really helping me learn!😊 Question, what if you are trying to specifically sign your right arm, or specifically sign your left or right leg, how would I do that?🤔

[@ASLMeredith]

You can sign RIGHT or LEFT! Or of course you can point to the actual location, too.

[@danaallison4392]

@@ASLMeredith Oh okay! Thank you!

[@cue00a7]

This might be a dumb question, but what if a person doesn't have teeth? Would they have to spell it out, or like act out if their teeth had grown?

[@ASLMeredith]

You'd still point to that location.

[@wynteradams8247]

The review of what is taught in the video begins at 5:02

[@ASLMeredith]

Thanks!

[@valeriksson]

thanks!

[@philippinedeafcommunityvlo869]

Perfect asl and fsl

[@elisee3133]

I don’t see the link for the other video on different meanings for BACK 😔

[@ASLMeredith]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJbVo2h4l6t7jLc

[@elisee3133]

ASLMeredith thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏

[@xenoblad]

One of the signs for "teeth" look like "glass". I might need to look up "glass" again.

[@hoperoyal9921]

Hello, great lesson very helpful! Could you do a video on things related to time? For example: forever, never, moment, minute.. things like that. Or temperatures ( hot, cold, humid)? Thank you again!! :)

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi there! Thanks for the great suggestions; I've added these to my list. In the meantime, some of these signs can be found in this old weather video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn-Xont9btplrJI hope that helps!

[@hoperoyal9921]

@@ASLMeredith Thank you very much, it helps a lot! :)

[@ferarchila9073]

Hii i wanna teach my 1 year old son some sign language can you make a video of basic words for babies?

[@amymiller6854]

Thanks Meredith! Your videos are so helpful! How do you sign arms?

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Amy! Thanks for the kind words :) You can find the sign for ARM in this very video! Skip to the 1:08 mark, or click this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXywdK2godZpqqc

[@orestesdelgadojr7935]

Hooray Meredith good signs simple and you will be graduate of May?? This year's. Let me know pleasure hope you get good studying college after good job 👌👍👏 I cheer you bye Orestes

[@Kobuch5]

you are helpfull again, thanks

[@ASLMeredith]

Yay! Glad you find this useful :)

[@charlettemackmccoy4325]

Can you do a video a little up closer to your hands and a bit slower? Aloha from Honolulu Hawaii.

[@user-mx9xo5jh3k]

you can slow the video down in the settings

[@ASLMeredith]

Yes that's right! You can use KZbin's video menu (3 dots or gear icon) to select Speed = 0.5 or 0.25 as needed. Hope that helps!

[@6ny8]

What if you are bald? Do you,use the same gesture for hair?

[@ASLMeredith]

Yep!

[@madelinemandolfo1607]

How would you sign ankle?

[@ASLMeredith]

Fingerspell and point

[@redflower9114]

Pleasemakeyour audio louder a little bit

[@xakitad]

Thank you!!!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank YOU! Glad you find this useful.

[@FIREPOSER]

What if a bald person or someone with a shaved head is doing the sign for "hair" in ASL?

[@ASLMeredith]

simply make the sign at the head/scalp in the same position. (I.e. do the sign as shown, even if not grasping actual hair.)

[@FIREPOSER]

@@ASLMeredith thank you!

[@clasrisajones2200]

I have a question does it matter if I use my left or right hand when signing?

[@ASLMeredith]

Great question! It does matter that you're *consistent* (don't switch back and forth between hands), but otherwise you generally use your dominant hand for most key movements. (Example: I'm right-handed, so I use my right hand for most key movements and any one-handed signs.) I answer this exact question in more detail at aslmeredith.com/faq so feel free to check that out for more info!

[@silvialopez4993]

thank you!

[@ASLMeredith]

Thank YOU! Glad you find this useful.

[@ibzal49]

Wait, of all the times I used to sign "foot" with the letter F as in boots or shoes. Wrong? 🤔

[@ASLMeredith]

Hmm, no I've never seen that! Don't think that's ASL.

[@FaridaMarz]

Where is neck

[@clasrisajones2200]

AMSR? I think yes

[@nancymitchell1419]

The sign for BODY has the handshape of two closed fives. The fives are not bent. FYI and coming from a Deaf Signer.

[@jena.530]

How about finger?

[@ASLMeredith]

Ah yes, I should have included that! It's typically fairly iconic: Either hold up your "5" hands, palm slightly inward, and wiggle the fingers a bit. Or you can point to your finger!

[@Selkie15]

So uh.. If you're bald, but you want to sign hair, what do you do?

[@ASLMeredith]

Simply hold the same "9" handshape at your scalp!

[@charlettemackmccoy4325]

Someone is talking on this one?

[@ASLMeredith]

Yes, this video has voiceover and closed captions.

[@Iceyhaha]

S͜͡s͜͡h͜͡e͜͡s͜͡h͜͡

[@nigelsmith3758]

As I watch your videos, I'm always left wondering, "Who are the people that are down-voting your videos?" I've come to the conclusion that whoever these people are, they probably kick puppies or take money from tip jars.

[@ASLMeredith]

Aw, thank you for your support, Nigel! I'm glad you find these videos so valuable :) even if not everyone agrees!

[@elizabethpapatequilas.4736]

She forgot back😂 it’s okay I got that one down

[@ASLMeredith]

Hi Elizabeth, you can see "BACK" signed at 2:14 :) For reference, see this video's description which contains all the vocab and timestamps. Hope that helps!

[@elizabethpapatequilas.4736]

ASLMeredith omg you replied!♥️😂 oh and thanks I really enjoy your teaching!, I’m trying to learn sign because some times I see people who are deaf and try to sign to people but they don’t get it. And me and my sister also talk with our hands a lot so we thought sign was perfect♥️

[@elizabethpapatequilas.4736]

ASLMeredith thank you so much for replying♥️

[@ASLMeredith]

@@elizabethpapatequilas.4736 Of course! Keep practicing and using the language; you'll keep getting better :)

[@minervaramosgarcia7549]

😂😂😂