How to sign "birthday" in ASL

How to Sign "Birthday"

There are two common ways to sign “Birthday.” Here’s the most common:

• Touch your middle finger to your chin.
• Then bring that same middle finger to your chest (around the heart).
• This uses a modified handshape representing “favorite” or “special day.”

Watch a demo here

Tips

• Middle finger = key contact point; don’t use index or flat hand.
• Think of “birthday” as a personal, meaningful day.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong fingers or tapping too fast.
• Confusing with the sign for “favorite” — the second touch (to the chest) is what makes it “birthday.”

Think: “My special day — from chin to heart.”