How to Sign "Emotional"
Form both hands into 'E' handshapes. Place them on your chest with your palms facing inward. Move your hands in alternating, upward circular motions against your chest.
Examples Using "Emotional" in a Sentence
1
That movie made me very emotional.
Sign 'movie', point to yourself, and then use the alternating 'E' handshapes on your chest for 'emotional.' Be sure to add a facial expression that shows you were deeply moved.
2
He is an emotional person.
Point to the person you are talking about, sign 'emotional' with the alternating upward circles on your chest, and then finish by signing 'person'.
3
I feel emotional today.
Sign 'today', point to yourself, sign 'feel' by swiping your middle finger up your chest, and then transition into the two-handed sign for 'emotional'.
How to Sign "Emotional"
Form both hands into 'E' handshapes. Place them on your chest with your palms facing inward. Move your hands in alternating, upward circular motions against your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized version of the concept of feelings. It uses the 'E' handshape to represent the English word 'emotion' or 'emotional.' It is placed over the heart and chest area, which is the traditional center for feelings in ASL, with a bubbling movement representing feelings stirring up inside.
Signing Tips
Make sure your facial expression matches the intensity of the emotion you are describing. If you are talking about being very emotional, your face should look moved or overwhelmed. Keep the circular motion smooth and alternating, like wheels turning upward on your chest.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands in unison rather than alternating them. Remember that as one hand circles up, the other should be circling down. Another mistake is using flat hands instead of the 'E' handshape, which might confuse the sign with 'happy' or 'enjoy'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Emotional" in a Sentence
1That movie made me very emotional.
Sign 'movie', point to yourself, and then use the alternating 'E' handshapes on your chest for 'emotional.' Be sure to add a facial expression that shows you were deeply moved.
2He is an emotional person.
Point to the person you are talking about, sign 'emotional' with the alternating upward circles on your chest, and then finish by signing 'person'.
3I feel emotional today.
Sign 'today', point to yourself, sign 'feel' by swiping your middle finger up your chest, and then transition into the two-handed sign for 'emotional'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'emotion' and 'emotional' the same?
Yes, in ASL, the exact same sign is used for both the noun 'emotion' and the adjective 'emotional.' The context of your sentence and your facial expressions will make your intended meaning clear.
Does it matter which direction the circles go?
Yes, the circles should move upward and outward from the chest. Moving them downward can feel unnatural and is not the standard way to produce this sign.
Can I sign this with just one hand?
While you might occasionally see it signed with one hand in very casual, relaxed settings, the standard and most clear way to sign 'emotional' is by using both hands in an alternating motion.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!