How to Sign "Shower"

Raise either hand above the head and start with a closed fist, or an "S" handshape and repeatedly open the hand by extending the fingers to a slightly bent "5" handshape and repeat two to three times. If you want to add that it is a lot of water pressure for a strong shower, puff out the cheeks while performing the sign.

Examples Using "Shower" in a Sentence

1

I need to take a shower.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need', and then raise your hand above your head, repeatedly opening it from an 'S' fist to a bent '5' handshape to sign 'shower'.

2

The shower has great water pressure!

Perform the sign for 'shower' by opening your hand above your head, and remember to puff out your cheeks while doing so to visually demonstrate the strong water pressure.

3

Did you shower this morning?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'morning', and then perform the 'shower' sign above your head. Remember to raise your eyebrows throughout the sentence to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Shower"
Raise either hand above the head and start with a closed fist, or an "S" handshape and repeatedly open the hand by extending the fingers to a slightly bent "5" handshape and repeat two to three times. If you want to add that it is a lot of water pressure for a strong shower, puff out the cheeks while performing the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the action it represents. The hand positioned above the head acts as the showerhead, and the repeated opening of the fingers from a tight fist into a bent '5' handshape mimics the sudden, continuous spray of water falling down.
Signing Tips
Keep your hand positioned slightly in front of and above your head, right where a real showerhead would be. Make sure the movement of opening your fingers from the 'S' fist to the bent '5' handshape is crisp and directed downward to clearly mimic the spray of water.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is placing the hand too low or resting it directly on top of the head. Another frequent error is flicking the fingers upward or outward instead of directing the 'water' (your fingers) downward toward your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Shower" in a Sentence
1

I need to take a shower.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need', and then raise your hand above your head, repeatedly opening it from an 'S' fist to a bent '5' handshape to sign 'shower'.

2

The shower has great water pressure!

Perform the sign for 'shower' by opening your hand above your head, and remember to puff out your cheeks while doing so to visually demonstrate the strong water pressure.

3

Did you shower this morning?

Point to the person for 'you', sign 'morning', and then perform the 'shower' sign above your head. Remember to raise your eyebrows throughout the sentence to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'shower'?

No, you can use either hand! It is generally best to use your dominant hand. Just place it above your head and open your fingers to mimic the water spraying down.

How do I show that the shower is really strong?

In ASL, facial expressions add important descriptive details. To show strong water pressure, puff out your cheeks while repeatedly opening your hand from an 'S' to a bent '5' handshape above your head.

Can I use this sign to talk about a rain shower outside?

No, this specific sign is strictly used for taking a shower in a bathroom. For weather-related rain, you would use both hands with bent fingers moving downward in front of your body to show rain falling from the sky.

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