Medicine in Sign Language (ASL)

ASL Dictionary 3 min read

How to sign Medicine in ASL
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The sign for “medicine” in American Sign Language (ASL) is a common and essential sign, especially in discussions about health, prescriptions, and wellness. This sign is typically used in medical settings or when discussing health-related topics with friends and family.

Last reviewed: March 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the sign for ‘medicine’ in a sentence?

You can use the sign for ‘medicine’ in various contexts. For example, you might say, ‘I need to take my medicine’ by signing ‘I’ + the sign for ‘need’ + ‘medicine’ to convey your message clearly.

Are there regional variations of the sign for ‘medicine’ in ASL?

Yes, there can be slight variations in the sign for ‘medicine’ depending on the region. Some users might incorporate different handshapes or movements, so it’s beneficial to observe and learn from local Deaf communities for the most accurate usage.

Is there a difference between formal and informal usage of the sign for ‘medicine’?

In formal settings, such as medical appointments, you may want to pair the sign with additional context or signs to ensure clarity. In informal conversations, the sign can be used more casually, often accompanied by facial expressions or gestures that convey urgency or importance.

What are some similar or easily confused signs with ‘medicine’?

The sign for ‘medicine’ can be confused with signs like ‘doctor’ or ‘pill’ due to similar handshapes. Being mindful of context and combining the sign with appropriate facial expressions can help clarify your message.

How does the sign for ‘medicine’ compare to BSL (British Sign Language)?

In BSL, the sign for ‘medicine’ is different from ASL, often involving a different handshape and movement. It’s essential to learn the specific signs for each language, as they can vary significantly even for the same concept.

What are some teaching tips for the sign for ‘medicine’?

When teaching the sign for ‘medicine,’ demonstrate it clearly and encourage students to practice with each other. Use real-life scenarios and role-playing to reinforce understanding, and emphasize the importance of facial expressions to convey the right context.

Table of Contents

Sign at a Glance

Type Noun
Sign Type Asymmetricaldifferenthandshape
Location Hand
Handshape open_8
Movement Straight
Iconicity Arbitrary (1.771/7) — Arbitrary
Frequency Common (4.9/7)
Age of Acquisition Toddler (2-3 years) (~34 months)
ASL Signbank View sign video →

Data: ASL-LEX 2.0 · ASL Signbank (Caselli et al., 2017)

How to Sign “Medicine”

  1. Start with your dominant hand in an open 8 handshape. Your fingers should be extended and together, resembling an open hand.
  2. Position your dominant hand in front of your body, around chest level, with the palm facing down.
  3. Move your dominant hand slightly forward in a straight motion. This movement should be smooth and deliberate.
  4. Maintain a neutral facial expression or a slight look of concentration, as this adds clarity to your sign.

Common Mistakes

  • Some learners may forget to keep their fingers together in the open 8 handshape, which can lead to a different sign.
  • Failing to move the hand straight forward can make the sign unclear or confuse it with another sign.
  • Neglecting facial expressions can result in a lack of clarity, as facial cues play an important role in ASL communication.
  • 1 Dollar – A sign used to indicate a single dollar amount.
  • 5 Dollars – Sign for indicating the amount of five dollars.
  • A – The letter A in ASL, useful for fingerspelling.
  • 8 Hour – A sign referring to an eight-hour time period.
  • 23 – Sign for the number twenty-three.

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