Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Beast"

To sign 'beast', cross your arms over your chest with both hands formed into claw shapes, resting near your opposite shoulders. Pull your fingers slightly inward and downward, as if scratching your chest with sharp claws. You can repeat this scratching motion twice. This sign is identical to the sign for 'bear', using the clawed hands to represent a large, wild creature.

Examples Using "Beast" in a Sentence

1

The beast roared loudly.

To sign this, start with the sign for 'beast'. Then, use a strong, intense facial expression while signing 'yell' or using a classifier to show a large mouth opening, conveying the loud roar of the creature.

2

We saw a wild beast in the woods.

Begin by establishing the setting with the sign for 'forest' or 'woods'. Then, sign 'wild' followed by 'beast'. You can use your index finger to point to a specific location in your signing space to show where it was.

3

The story is about a beauty and a beast.

Sign 'story' and 'about', then contrast the two main concepts by signing 'beautiful' on one side of your signing space and 'beast' on the other. This helps set up the two characters clearly for your audience.

How to Sign "Beast"
To sign 'beast', cross your arms over your chest with both hands formed into claw shapes, resting near your opposite shoulders. Pull your fingers slightly inward and downward, as if scratching your chest with sharp claws. You can repeat this scratching motion twice. This sign is identical to the sign for 'bear', using the clawed hands to represent a large, wild creature.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents a large, powerful animal with sharp claws, much like a bear. The crossed arms and clawed hands mimic the physical characteristics of a wild creature, while the slight scratching motion suggests the animal's claws against its own fur or chest. By using your own body to represent the animal's body, the sign creates a clear and immediate visual connection to the concept of a beast.
Signing Tips
When signing 'beast', focus on the tension in your hands. Make sure your fingers are curved into strong, stiff claw shapes to emphasize the wild, animalistic nature of the word. A tense or fierce facial expression can also help convey the ferocity of a 'beast', especially if you are telling a story. Remember to keep your arms comfortably crossed over your chest, allowing the scratching motion to be visible and distinct.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is keeping their fingers too flat or relaxed instead of forming clear, tense claw shapes. Without the clawed fingers, the sign loses its iconic meaning and might look like you are just hugging yourself. Another mistake is making the scratching motion too large or aggressive; keep the movement relatively small and contained near your upper chest and shoulders to maintain clarity and natural flow.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Beast" in a Sentence
1

The beast roared loudly.

To sign this, start with the sign for 'beast'. Then, use a strong, intense facial expression while signing 'yell' or using a classifier to show a large mouth opening, conveying the loud roar of the creature.

2

We saw a wild beast in the woods.

Begin by establishing the setting with the sign for 'forest' or 'woods'. Then, sign 'wild' followed by 'beast'. You can use your index finger to point to a specific location in your signing space to show where it was.

3

The story is about a beauty and a beast.

Sign 'story' and 'about', then contrast the two main concepts by signing 'beautiful' on one side of your signing space and 'beast' on the other. This helps set up the two characters clearly for your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'beast' the same as the sign for 'bear'?

Yes, in ASL, the sign for 'beast' is often identical to the sign for 'bear'. The specific meaning is usually understood based on the context of your sentence. If you are talking about a fairy tale or a monster, it will be understood as 'beast'.

Should I use this sign for any wild animal?

While this sign works well for a large, scary creature or a bear, it shouldn't be used for just any wild animal. If you are talking about animals in general, it is better to use the standard ASL sign for 'animal'.

How many times should I make the scratching motion?

Typically, a double scratching motion is used, pulling the clawed fingers inward slightly against the chest twice. However, a single, deliberate motion can also be used, especially if you want to emphasize the size or ferocity of the beast in a story.

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