How to Sign "Microwave"

To sign "microwave", hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Start with your hands in closed fists ('S' handshapes). Quickly open both hands so your fingers spread out into '5' handshapes, and repeat this flashing motion twice. The movement should be quick and energetic.

Examples Using "Microwave" in a Sentence

1

I need to use the microwave.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED' by bending your 'X' finger downward, and then perform the flashing hands sign for 'MICROWAVE'.

2

The microwave is broken.

Sign 'MICROWAVE', then sign 'BROKEN' by bringing your fists together and twisting them outward as if snapping a stick in half.

3

Did you clean the microwave?

Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'CLEAN' by sliding one flat hand over the palm of the other, and sign 'MICROWAVE'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Microwave"
To sign "microwave", hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Start with your hands in closed fists ('S' handshapes). Quickly open both hands so your fingers spread out into '5' handshapes, and repeat this flashing motion twice. The movement should be quick and energetic.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, visually representing the invisible energy waves or radiation bouncing around inside a microwave oven to heat up food. The flashing hands perfectly capture the concept of the appliance's rapid heating process.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement crisp and contained in the neutral space right in front of your chest. The flashing motion of opening your hands should be quick and energetic to clearly convey the idea of the appliance working.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the movement too large or moving your arms too much. The motion should come mostly from your fingers and hands opening and closing, rather than your whole arm moving.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Microwave" in a Sentence
1

I need to use the microwave.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED' by bending your 'X' finger downward, and then perform the flashing hands sign for 'MICROWAVE'.

2

The microwave is broken.

Sign 'MICROWAVE', then sign 'BROKEN' by bringing your fists together and twisting them outward as if snapping a stick in half.

3

Did you clean the microwave?

Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'CLEAN' by sliding one flat hand over the palm of the other, and sign 'MICROWAVE'. Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to mouth the word 'microwave' while signing?

It is helpful to mouth the word 'microwave' naturally while doing the sign. This clarifies your meaning, especially since the flashing hands motion can sometimes be used for other concepts like 'radiation' or 'flashing lights'.

How many times should I open and close my hands?

Typically, you will flash your hands open and closed twice. Doing it just once might look like the sign for turning on a light, while doing it too many times can look exaggerated.

Should my palms face each other or the floor?

Your palms should face each other, as if you are showing the waves bouncing back and forth between the inner walls of the microwave oven.

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