How to Sign “Believe” in ASL

The short answer

In American Sign Language, BELIEVE is commonly signed as a two-part compound. First, touch your index finger to your forehead or temple, which is the sign for THINK. Then bring that hand down and clasp it with your other hand in front of your body. The idea is a thought that you hold on to firmly.

Step by step

• 1. Hold your dominant hand up with the index finger extended and the other fingers closed.
• 2. Touch the tip of your index finger to the side of your forehead, near the temple.
• 3. Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your chest or stomach, palm facing up and slightly cupped.
• 4. Move your dominant hand down from your head, opening it as it travels.
• 5. Bring your dominant hand onto the waiting hand, palm down, so the two hands clasp together.
• 6. Keep the motion smooth so the two parts read as one sign rather than two separate words.

Points that change the meaning or clarity

• Handedness: If you are left-handed, use your left hand as the dominant hand and mirror every step. Both versions are correct.
• Variations: Some signers start at the forehead and others at the temple, and the clasp can look slightly different between individuals or regions. Small differences like these are normal.
• Related words: BELIEF is often signed the same way, with context showing whether you mean the noun or the verb. The source material for this guide does not confirm how phrases such as “believe in” or “don’t believe” are signed, so check those with a fluent signer or a dictionary that shows video.
• Facial expression: ASL uses facial expression as part of the grammar. A neutral or sincere expression fits a plain statement. A doubtful expression or a head shake can change the meaning, for example toward disbelief.

Checking the sign on camera

If you plan to use the sign on a video call or in a recording, a quick camera check helps make sure it is visible.

• Framing: The sign moves from your forehead to about chest or stomach height. Position the camera so that whole area is in the frame, with a little space above your head.
• Mirrored preview: Many video apps show your own preview as a mirror image, while other people may see the unmirrored view. Your preview can make the sign look reversed even when it is correct. Check the app’s video settings if this is confusing.
• Lighting and background: Light coming from in front of you, rather than from a window behind you, makes your hands and face easier to see. A plain physical background helps hands stand out. Virtual backgrounds and blur effects can sometimes cut off or smear moving hands, so test them before you depend on them for signing.
• Motion: Signing slightly slower than usual can reduce motion blur on lower-quality connections. Seeing your own video in a preview does not guarantee that the other person sees it clearly, because call quality depends on the connection.

Verifying that you have it right

Written descriptions cannot fully capture handshape, movement and timing. To confirm your sign, compare it with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary, or ask a Deaf or fluent signer to watch you. This is especially useful if you are learning for regular conversations and not just a single word.