How to Sign "Prey"

Start by holding up your non-dominant hand with the index finger pointing straight up, representing the prey. Form an open claw shape with your dominant hand to represent the predator. Move your dominant claw hand toward the index finger and firmly grab it, closing your hand into a fist around the finger.

Examples Using "Prey" in a Sentence

1

The lion hunted its prey.

Sign "lion", "hunt", and then use the sign for "prey" to show the lion catching its target. Make sure to use an intense facial expression during the grabbing motion.

2

Mice are common prey for owls.

Sign "mouse", "owl", and then use the sign for "prey" to indicate the relationship between them. The quick grabbing motion perfectly illustrates the owl swooping down on the mouse.

3

The bird spotted its prey from above.

Sign "bird", "look down", and then "prey" to show the bird targeting its meal. You can angle the grabbing motion slightly downward to show the bird striking from the sky.

How to Sign "Prey"
Start by holding up your non-dominant hand with the index finger pointing straight up, representing the prey. Form an open claw shape with your dominant hand to represent the predator. Move your dominant claw hand toward the index finger and firmly grab it, closing your hand into a fist around the finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and tells a miniature visual story. The non-dominant index finger acts as a semantic classifier representing a small animal or a person standing alone. The dominant hand, formed in a claw shape, mimics the open jaws or sharp claws of an approaching predator. The sudden motion of grabbing the finger perfectly illustrates the concept of a predator capturing its prey.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for "prey" more expressive, use your facial expressions and body language to convey the suddenness or intensity of a predator striking. A quick, sharp grabbing motion with the dominant hand emphasizes the action of catching the prey. Ensure your non-dominant index finger stays still until it is "caught," making the visual story of the sign much clearer for the viewer.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands toward each other at the same time. Remember that the non-dominant index finger, representing the prey, should remain relatively stationary while the dominant claw hand does all the moving and grabbing. Also, make sure to fully close your dominant hand around the index finger rather than just tapping it, to truly show the capture.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Prey" in a Sentence
1

The lion hunted its prey.

Sign "lion", "hunt", and then use the sign for "prey" to show the lion catching its target. Make sure to use an intense facial expression during the grabbing motion.

2

Mice are common prey for owls.

Sign "mouse", "owl", and then use the sign for "prey" to indicate the relationship between them. The quick grabbing motion perfectly illustrates the owl swooping down on the mouse.

3

The bird spotted its prey from above.

Sign "bird", "look down", and then "prey" to show the bird targeting its meal. You can angle the grabbing motion slightly downward to show the bird striking from the sky.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for a person being preyed upon?

Yes, this sign can absolutely be used metaphorically for a person who is a victim or target. For example, if someone falls prey to a scam or a bully, this sign works perfectly because the upright index finger classifier is commonly used in ASL to represent a person.

Is this the same sign as "catch"?

They are similar and visually related, but "catch" often involves grabbing an imaginary object out of the air or across the body with one or both hands. The sign for "prey" specifically uses the non-dominant index finger to represent a living, stationary target being aggressively grabbed by a predator.

Does it matter which hand is the predator?

Yes, it is best to use your dominant hand as the predator—the claw that does the moving and grabbing—and your non-dominant hand as the prey, which is the upright index finger. This follows the standard ASL symmetry rule where the dominant hand performs the primary active motion.

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