Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Nature"

To sign 'nature', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form an 'N' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing your index and middle fingers downward. Make a small circular motion with your dominant hand, then bring it down so your wrist rests on the back of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Nature" in a Sentence

1

I love spending time in nature.

To sign this, you can express 'I LOVE SPEND TIME NATURE.' Focus on a smooth transition into the 'N' handshape and the grounding motion on your base hand.

2

Nature is beautiful.

Sign 'NATURE BEAUTIFUL.' After completing the sign for 'nature,' transition smoothly into the sign for 'beautiful' by opening your hand across your face.

3

We need to protect nature.

You can sign 'WE MUST PROTECT NATURE.' Emphasize the sign for 'protect' before smoothly setting up your base hand for the 'nature' sign.

How to Sign "Nature"
To sign 'nature', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form an 'N' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing your index and middle fingers downward. Make a small circular motion with your dominant hand, then bring it down so your wrist rests on the back of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'nature' is an initialized sign, meaning it uses the first letter of the English word—in this case, the 'N' handshape. The movement and placement on the back of the non-dominant hand are similar to signs related to the earth, foundation, or the world, visually grounding the concept of the natural environment.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your non-dominant hand steady and relaxed as a base. The circular motion of your dominant hand should be relatively small and controlled, not a large, sweeping gesture. Ensure your 'N' handshape is distinct by keeping your index and middle fingers tightly together and pointing downward before resting your wrist on your base hand.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using a 'V' or 'U' handshape instead of a clear 'N' handshape, which can confuse the meaning. Another common error is bouncing the dominant hand multiple times on the base hand; the sign should only have one smooth circular motion followed by a single landing. Finally, make sure your non-dominant palm is facing down, not up.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Nature" in a Sentence
1

I love spending time in nature.

To sign this, you can express 'I LOVE SPEND TIME NATURE.' Focus on a smooth transition into the 'N' handshape and the grounding motion on your base hand.

2

Nature is beautiful.

Sign 'NATURE BEAUTIFUL.' After completing the sign for 'nature,' transition smoothly into the sign for 'beautiful' by opening your hand across your face.

3

We need to protect nature.

You can sign 'WE MUST PROTECT NATURE.' Emphasize the sign for 'protect' before smoothly setting up your base hand for the 'nature' sign.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'nature' the same as 'natural'?

Yes, this sign is used for both 'nature' and 'natural.' The context of your conversation will help the person you are signing with understand which English word you mean.

Does the circle go clockwise or counterclockwise?

The dominant hand typically moves in a small forward and outward circle before landing. However, the exact direction of the circle is less important than the smooth landing on the back of the base hand.

Can I sign this with my left hand?

Absolutely! If you are left-handed, your left hand will form the 'N' handshape and perform the circular motion, while your right hand acts as the flat, stable base.

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