How to sign
I Don't Understand in ASL
'I don't understand' is UNDERSTAND (an index finger flicking up at the forehead) with a head shake, or NOT UNDERSTAND. The head shake alone can do the negating.
- Phrase
- One hand
- Communication
- ASL Phrases
How to sign i don't understand
- 1
Sign UNDERSTAND: a fist at the side of the forehead flicks the index finger up.
- 2
Shake your head while you sign it. That negates it.
- 3
Keep eye contact and a slightly questioning face so the other person knows to repeat.
Common mistakes
- Nodding along instead. Nodding when you're lost wastes everyone's time; this phrase is polite and expected.
Questions about “I Don't Understand”
"I Don't Understand" is signed as a single unit in ASL rather than word-for-word from English.
Guide
Basic Phrases
The first phrases you actually use in a signed conversation: introductions, asking for help, saying you are learning, and keeping things polite. Real video for each one.
From the blog
Deaf Culture Etiquette: 12 Things Hearing Beginners Should Know
How to get someone's attention, why eye contact is not rude, what to do when you do not understand, and how to be a welcome guest in Deaf spaces.