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How to Sign "Emergency"

To sign "emergency," start by forming both hands into the letter 'E' handshape, with your fingers curled in and your thumb resting just below them. Raise both hands to about shoulder or head height with your palms facing forward. Shake both hands back and forth rapidly a few times to convey a sense of urgency.

Examples Using "Emergency" in a Sentence

1

Call 911, it's an emergency!

To sign this, start with 'emergency' using a very urgent, serious facial expression to match the intensity of the situation. Follow this immediately with the signs for 'call' and '9-1-1'.

2

Where is the emergency exit?

Sign 'emergency' followed by the sign for 'door' or 'exit'. Since you are asking a question, make sure to keep your eyebrows furrowed to indicate a 'wh-' question about the location.

3

I have a family emergency.

Sign 'my', then 'family', and finish with 'emergency'. The shaking motion of your 'E' hands should be clear, but the intensity can be slightly more subdued than a physical, life-threatening crisis.

How to Sign "Emergency"
To sign "emergency," start by forming both hands into the letter 'E' handshape, with your fingers curled in and your thumb resting just below them. Raise both hands to about shoulder or head height with your palms facing forward. Shake both hands back and forth rapidly a few times to convey a sense of urgency.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'emergency' is a classic example of an initialized sign in American Sign Language. It uses the 'E' handshape, which corresponds to the first letter of the English word. The rapid, shaking movement of the hands is highly iconic, visually representing a sense of alarm, panic, or the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle. Together, the English letter and the urgent motion create a clear, easily recognizable sign for a critical situation.
Signing Tips
When signing 'emergency,' your facial expression is just as important as your hands. Because this word conveys a critical situation, your face should look serious, alert, or urgent. You can also adjust the speed of the sign to match the context. For a life-threatening situation, shake your hands more rapidly and intensely. For a minor emergency, a smaller, slightly slower shake is appropriate. Always remember that ASL relies heavily on these non-manual markers to show the true weight of the word.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is signing 'emergency' with a completely blank or relaxed facial expression. Without the accompanying look of urgency or concern, the sign feels unnatural and loses its impact. Another frequent error is making the shaking motion too wide or sloppy. The shaking of the 'E' hands should be a tight, controlled twisting or vibrating motion right around your shoulder or head level, rather than waving your arms wildly in the air.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Emergency" in a Sentence
1

Call 911, it's an emergency!

To sign this, start with 'emergency' using a very urgent, serious facial expression to match the intensity of the situation. Follow this immediately with the signs for 'call' and '9-1-1'.

2

Where is the emergency exit?

Sign 'emergency' followed by the sign for 'door' or 'exit'. Since you are asking a question, make sure to keep your eyebrows furrowed to indicate a 'wh-' question about the location.

3

I have a family emergency.

Sign 'my', then 'family', and finish with 'emergency'. The shaking motion of your 'E' hands should be clear, but the intensity can be slightly more subdued than a physical, life-threatening crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the speed of the shaking matter?

Yes, absolutely! The speed and intensity of the shaking motion help convey the severity of the situation. A faster, more frantic shake indicates a more severe or immediate emergency, while a slower shake might imply a less critical issue.

Can I sign this with just one hand if I am holding something?

While 'emergency' is typically a two-handed sign to emphasize urgency, in a real pinch you can sign it with one hand. However, using both hands is the standard and most clearly understood method.

How exactly do I form the 'E' handshape?

To make an 'E' handshape, curl all four of your fingers down tightly toward your palm. Then, fold your thumb inward so it rests just below or lightly touching the tips of your curled fingers.

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