Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Clouds"

To sign 'clouds', form both hands into loose 'C' shapes or claw shapes. Hold them up high in front of you, with your palms facing each other. Move your hands across the 'sky' area in a tumbling, wavy, or circular motion. This movement outlines the fluffy, billowing shape of clouds drifting overhead.

Examples Using "Clouds" in a Sentence

1

Look at those dark clouds.

Point up to direct attention to the sky, sign 'dark', and then perform the 'clouds' sign. Use a slightly concerned facial expression to convey the mood of an approaching storm.

2

The clouds are moving fast.

First, sign 'clouds' using the tumbling 'C' handshapes. Then, sign 'fast' to describe their movement. You can also make the tumbling motion of the clouds slightly quicker to emphasize the speed.

3

There are no clouds today.

Start by signing 'today', followed by 'clouds'. Finish with the sign for 'none' while shaking your head to clearly indicate a clear, cloudless sky.

How to Sign "Clouds"
To sign 'clouds', form both hands into loose 'C' shapes or claw shapes. Hold them up high in front of you, with your palms facing each other. Move your hands across the 'sky' area in a tumbling, wavy, or circular motion. This movement outlines the fluffy, billowing shape of clouds drifting overhead.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'clouds' is highly iconic and visually intuitive. The loose 'C' or claw handshapes act as a physical representation of the round, puffy shapes we see in the sky. Meanwhile, the tumbling, side-to-side motion perfectly mimics the way clouds billow, roll, and drift across the atmosphere. It's a beautiful example of how ASL paints a picture in the air.
Signing Tips
When signing 'clouds', remember to keep your hands elevated above eye level. This naturally establishes that the clouds are up in the sky. Focus on making your movements smooth, rounded, and fluid to perfectly capture the soft, billowing nature of real clouds. You can also adjust the size of your 'C' handshapes to show whether the clouds are small and scattered or large and puffy.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is signing 'clouds' too low, such as near your chest or stomach. This can confuse the meaning, as clouds belong in the sky! Another frequent error is making the hand movements too rigid or sharp. Remember that clouds are soft and fluid, so your tumbling motion should be relaxed and wavy rather than stiff.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Clouds" in a Sentence
1

Look at those dark clouds.

Point up to direct attention to the sky, sign 'dark', and then perform the 'clouds' sign. Use a slightly concerned facial expression to convey the mood of an approaching storm.

2

The clouds are moving fast.

First, sign 'clouds' using the tumbling 'C' handshapes. Then, sign 'fast' to describe their movement. You can also make the tumbling motion of the clouds slightly quicker to emphasize the speed.

3

There are no clouds today.

Start by signing 'today', followed by 'clouds'. Finish with the sign for 'none' while shaking your head to clearly indicate a clear, cloudless sky.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show that they are storm clouds?

To indicate storm clouds, you can sign 'dark' right before 'clouds'. More importantly, use your facial expressions! Furrow your eyebrows and make the tumbling motion of the clouds heavier and more intense to show the stormy weather.

Does it matter which direction my hands move?

Generally, you move your hands from one side to the other across your upper signing space to show the clouds spread out. The exact starting side doesn't matter, as long as the tumbling motion is clear.

Is this sign similar to the sign for 'rain'?

They are related in meaning but look very different. 'Rain' uses open hands with fingers pointing down, moving downward to show falling water. 'Clouds' uses 'C' hands moving horizontally to show the puffy shapes in the sky.

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