Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Ache"

To sign 'ache,' form both hands into '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended. Hold them in front of your chest with the index fingers pointing toward each other. Twist your wrists back and forth, jabbing the fingers toward each other a few times without letting them touch. Be sure to use a facial expression that shows discomfort or pain.

Examples Using "Ache" in a Sentence

1

I have a terrible headache.

To sign this, you would sign 'MY' and then perform the sign for 'ache' near your forehead, using a strong facial expression to show it's a terrible headache.

2

My stomach aches after eating.

You can sign 'EAT FINISH, MY STOMACH ACHE.' For 'ache,' you can move the sign down near your stomach to clearly indicate where the pain is located.

3

My muscles ache from working out.

Sign 'WORKOUT FINISH, MY MUSCLE ACHE.' You can perform the standard sign for 'ache' in front of your chest, showing a pained expression to convey the soreness.

How to Sign "Ache"
To sign 'ache,' form both hands into '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended. Hold them in front of your chest with the index fingers pointing toward each other. Twist your wrists back and forth, jabbing the fingers toward each other a few times without letting them touch. Be sure to use a facial expression that shows discomfort or pain.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'ache' or 'pain' uses the index fingers jabbing toward each other to visually represent the sharp, throbbing, or stabbing sensation of physical discomfort.
Signing Tips
One of the most important aspects of signing 'ache' is your facial expression. A blank face won't convey the feeling of pain, so make sure to wince or furrow your brows. Additionally, this is a directional sign! You can move the sign to the specific body part that hurts. For example, signing it near your jaw means 'toothache,' and signing it near your head means 'headache.'
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is letting their index fingers touch or bump into each other. The fingers should jab toward one another but remain separated. Another frequent error is forgetting the facial expression, which is crucial for showing how severe the ache is.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Ache" in a Sentence
1

I have a terrible headache.

To sign this, you would sign 'MY' and then perform the sign for 'ache' near your forehead, using a strong facial expression to show it's a terrible headache.

2

My stomach aches after eating.

You can sign 'EAT FINISH, MY STOMACH ACHE.' For 'ache,' you can move the sign down near your stomach to clearly indicate where the pain is located.

3

My muscles ache from working out.

Sign 'WORKOUT FINISH, MY MUSCLE ACHE.' You can perform the standard sign for 'ache' in front of your chest, showing a pained expression to convey the soreness.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'ache' the same as 'hurt' and 'pain'?

Yes! In ASL, the same sign is used for 'ache,' 'hurt,' and 'pain.' The context of your sentence and your facial expression will help clarify the exact meaning.

How do I show that an ache is really severe?

You can show the severity of the ache through your facial expression and the intensity of the sign. A more intense, sharper twisting motion combined with a strong wince will convey a severe ache.

Do I always sign it in front of my chest?

Not always! While the general sign for 'ache' is done in front of the chest, you can move the sign to the location of the pain. For instance, signing it near your stomach means 'stomachache.'

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!