The sign 'pain' uses both hands. Press both hands into fists, with the index fingers both extended. Point the index fingers towards each other, and rotate the hands at the wrists so the fingers both twist. One wrist should go in while the other wrist goes out. This sign is directional, so move the hands to the are that is hurting; for example, sign over the forehead if your head hurts, or over your stomach if your stomach hurts.
Sign 'pain' directly near your forehead. Twist your index fingers towards each other while furrowing your eyebrows to show the intensity of the headache.
Place the sign for 'pain' right over your stomach area. The alternating twisting motion of your index fingers will clearly indicate that the ache is located in your belly.
Sign 'pain' in the neutral space in front of your chest. Lean forward slightly and raise your eyebrows to turn the statement into a yes/no question.
Sign 'pain' directly near your forehead. Twist your index fingers towards each other while furrowing your eyebrows to show the intensity of the headache.
Place the sign for 'pain' right over your stomach area. The alternating twisting motion of your index fingers will clearly indicate that the ache is located in your belly.
Sign 'pain' in the neutral space in front of your chest. Lean forward slightly and raise your eyebrows to turn the statement into a yes/no question.
In ASL, the sign for 'pain' and 'hurt' is exactly the same. You use the same twisting index fingers for both concepts. The specific meaning is easily understood through the context of your sentence.
You show the intensity of the pain through your facial expressions and the speed of the sign. For a severe pain, wince, furrow your eyebrows deeply, and make the twisting motion of your wrists sharper and more intense.
Not always! If you are talking about emotional pain, general body aches, or asking someone if they are in pain, you can sign it in the neutral space in front of your chest. Only move it to a specific body part for localized pain.
