How to Sign "Hungry"
To make the sign hungry, take your dominant hand in the C handshape and place it palms inward at your throat. Then you will pull your hand down to your chest.
Examples Using "Hungry" in a Sentence
1
I am getting hungry.
Point to yourself to sign 'I', then form the C handshape at your throat and pull it down to your chest to sign 'hungry'.
2
Are you hungry?
Point to the person you are asking, sign 'hungry' with the downward C handshape motion, and remember to raise your eyebrows to show it is a yes/no question.
3
I'm not hungry.
Shake your head to indicate a negative while signing 'hungry' by pulling the C handshape down your chest.
How to Sign "Hungry"
To make the sign hungry, take your dominant hand in the C handshape and place it palms inward at your throat. Then you will pull your hand down to your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'hungry' is highly iconic and visually represents the anatomy of eating. The C handshape mimics the shape of a piece of food, while the downward motion from the throat to the chest traces the exact path that food takes as it travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. It visually communicates the physical sensation of an empty stomach waiting to be filled.
Signing Tips
When signing 'hungry', make sure your C handshape is clear and distinct. You do not need to press your hand firmly against your body; a light touch or even hovering just a fraction of an inch away from your shirt is perfectly fine. Keep the motion smooth and steady as you pull down from your throat to your chest. To express the intensity of your hunger, rely on your facial expressions.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using a flat hand instead of the required C handshape. Another common error is repeating the downward motion rapidly; standard 'hungry' usually requires just one clear, single downward stroke. Additionally, be careful to start at the throat and move downward, as starting lower or moving in a different direction can confuse the meaning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hungry" in a Sentence
1I am getting hungry.
Point to yourself to sign 'I', then form the C handshape at your throat and pull it down to your chest to sign 'hungry'.
2Are you hungry?
Point to the person you are asking, sign 'hungry' with the downward C handshape motion, and remember to raise your eyebrows to show it is a yes/no question.
3I'm not hungry.
Shake your head to indicate a negative while signing 'hungry' by pulling the C handshape down your chest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show that I am starving?
To show extreme hunger, you can modify the sign by making the downward motion slower, deeper, and more exaggerated. Most importantly, use your facial expressions! Dropping your jaw, squinting slightly, or looking exhausted while signing 'hungry' clearly communicates that you are starving.
Do I need to physically touch my chest when making this sign?
You can lightly touch your chest as you drag your hand downward, but it is not strictly required. Many fluent signers simply hover their C handshape very close to their body as they make the downward motion.
How is 'hungry' different from 'thirsty'?
While both signs relate to needing nourishment and occur near the throat, they use completely different handshapes. 'Hungry' uses a C handshape moving down the chest, whereas 'thirsty' uses a single index finger tracing a line straight down the throat.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!