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PocketSign

How to Sign "Fatigue"

To sign "fatigue," start by placing the fingertips of both hands on your chest, near your armpits, with your hands in a bent shape. Keep your fingertips touching your chest as a pivot point, and let your hands drop downward, rolling them so your palms end up facing the floor. As you do this motion, let your shoulders slump slightly and relax your posture to emphasize the feeling of being completely tired or exhausted.

Examples Using "Fatigue" in a Sentence

1

I am experiencing muscle fatigue after the workout.

Sign 'muscle' then use the sign for 'fatigue.' Make sure to slump your shoulders slightly and use a tired facial expression to truly convey the physical exhaustion you feel after exercising.

2

She had to stop driving because of fatigue.

Sign 'drive,' 'stop,' and then 'fatigue.' Emphasize the downward, rolling motion of your hands on your chest to show the heavy, draining feeling that forced her to pull over.

3

Mental fatigue makes it hard to study.

Point to your head to indicate 'mental,' then sign 'fatigue,' followed by 'hard' and 'study.' Your facial expression should look drained to match the context of brain fog and tiredness.

How to Sign "Fatigue"
To sign "fatigue," start by placing the fingertips of both hands on your chest, near your armpits, with your hands in a bent shape. Keep your fingertips touching your chest as a pivot point, and let your hands drop downward, rolling them so your palms end up facing the floor. As you do this motion, let your shoulders slump slightly and relax your posture to emphasize the feeling of being completely tired or exhausted.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'fatigue' is highly iconic and relies heavily on natural body language. The downward rolling motion of the hands, combined with the physical slumping of the shoulders, visually represents a person's energy draining away or their body physically giving out and drooping from pure exhaustion.
Signing Tips
Facial expressions and body language are absolutely crucial for this sign. To effectively communicate 'fatigue,' let your shoulders slump and your face look visibly drained as your hands roll downward. The speed of the sign can also indicate the level of fatigue you are experiencing; a slower, heavier movement shows a much deeper, more profound exhaustion than a quick movement.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving their hands completely off their chest. Remember that your fingertips should act as a pivot point, staying in contact with your chest while the palms roll downward. Another frequent error is keeping a bright, energetic facial expression or a rigid, upright posture, which completely contradicts the meaning of being tired.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fatigue" in a Sentence
1

I am experiencing muscle fatigue after the workout.

Sign 'muscle' then use the sign for 'fatigue.' Make sure to slump your shoulders slightly and use a tired facial expression to truly convey the physical exhaustion you feel after exercising.

2

She had to stop driving because of fatigue.

Sign 'drive,' 'stop,' and then 'fatigue.' Emphasize the downward, rolling motion of your hands on your chest to show the heavy, draining feeling that forced her to pull over.

3

Mental fatigue makes it hard to study.

Point to your head to indicate 'mental,' then sign 'fatigue,' followed by 'hard' and 'study.' Your facial expression should look drained to match the context of brain fog and tiredness.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'fatigue' the same as 'tired'?

Yes, 'fatigue' and 'tired' use the exact same sign in ASL. You can adjust the intensity of your facial expression and the heaviness of your movement to show the difference between being slightly tired versus completely fatigued.

Do my hands leave my chest during the sign?

No, your fingertips should remain touching your chest throughout the entire movement. They act as a hinge or pivot point while the rest of your hand drops downward.

Can I sign this with just one hand?

While it might be understood in casual or lazy signing, the proper and most clear way to sign 'fatigue' is by using both hands symmetrically on your chest.

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