Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Run"

the sign 'run' uses both hands. press the fingers of both hands against their palms, leaving the index finger and thumb extended in l shapes. with the palms both facing inwards, set the non-dominant hand further out from the chest. hook the index finger of the dominant hand against the thumb of the non-dominant hand. wiggle in the knuckles of the non-dominant index finger and dominant thumb, like you are pulling a trigger. extend the hands further out from the chest as you bend the knuckles.

Examples Using "Run" in a Sentence

1

I like to run in the park.

Sign 'I', 'like', and then perform the sign for 'run' by hooking your 'L' shaped hands together and moving them forward while wiggling your index finger and thumb. Finish by signing 'park'.

2

The dog is running fast.

First, sign 'dog'. Then, to show the dog running, use the 'run' sign with your 'L' hands hooked together, moving them forward quickly to emphasize the speed, followed by the sign for 'fast'.

3

We need to run to the store.

Sign 'we', 'need', and then execute the 'run' sign by linking your dominant index finger to your non-dominant thumb and moving them outward with a wiggling motion. End with 'store'.

How to Sign "Run"
the sign 'run' uses both hands. press the fingers of both hands against their palms, leaving the index finger and thumb extended in l shapes. with the palms both facing inwards, set the non-dominant hand further out from the chest. hook the index finger of the dominant hand against the thumb of the non-dominant hand. wiggle in the knuckles of the non-dominant index finger and dominant thumb, like you are pulling a trigger. extend the hands further out from the chest as you bend the knuckles.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'run' is highly iconic and visually represents the mechanics of running. The two 'L' shaped hands linked together symbolize the coordinated movement of a runner's legs and arms. The wiggling motion of the non-dominant index finger and the dominant thumb mimics the bending of knees and the rapid pumping of legs hitting the ground. Moving the linked hands forward away from the chest perfectly illustrates the forward momentum and travel of a person running across a distance.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'run' look natural, focus on the connection between your hands. Make sure your dominant index finger stays securely hooked to your non-dominant thumb throughout the movement. The wiggling motion should be fluid, like a continuous trigger pull, rather than stiff or jerky. As you move both hands forward away from your chest, keep your palms facing inward. If you want to show that someone is running very fast, you can speed up the forward motion and the wiggling of your fingers!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is unhooking their hands while moving them forward. Remember to keep your dominant index finger firmly hooked against your non-dominant thumb the entire time. Another frequent error is wiggling all the fingers instead of just the non-dominant index finger and dominant thumb. Keep the rest of your fingers pressed against your palms in that clear 'L' shape. Finally, make sure your palms are facing inward toward each other, not down toward the floor.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Run" in a Sentence
1

I like to run in the park.

Sign 'I', 'like', and then perform the sign for 'run' by hooking your 'L' shaped hands together and moving them forward while wiggling your index finger and thumb. Finish by signing 'park'.

2

The dog is running fast.

First, sign 'dog'. Then, to show the dog running, use the 'run' sign with your 'L' hands hooked together, moving them forward quickly to emphasize the speed, followed by the sign for 'fast'.

3

We need to run to the store.

Sign 'we', 'need', and then execute the 'run' sign by linking your dominant index finger to your non-dominant thumb and moving them outward with a wiggling motion. End with 'store'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I wiggle all my fingers when signing 'run'?

No, you should keep your middle, ring, and pinky fingers pressed against your palms. Only wiggle the knuckles of your non-dominant index finger and your dominant thumb, similar to pulling a trigger, while keeping the hands hooked together.

Can I use this sign to say my nose is running or my car is running?

No, this specific sign is only used for the physical action of a person or animal running. For a running nose or a running car engine, ASL uses completely different signs that visually represent those specific concepts.

How do I show that someone is running really fast?

In ASL, you can modify the sign to show speed. To show someone running fast, perform the wiggling motion and the forward movement of your hooked 'L' hands much quicker and with more intensity. Your facial expressions should also match the effort!

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