How to Sign "Snow"

Start with both hands raised in front of you, palms facing slightly downward, with your fingers spread apart. Slowly lower both hands while wiggling your fingers in a fluttering motion. This movement mimics the gentle falling of snowflakes from the sky.

Examples Using "Snow" in a Sentence

1

It is going to snow tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow' first to establish the timeframe, then use the gentle, fluttering downward motion for 'snow'.

2

I love playing in the snow.

After signing 'I love play,' finish the sentence by raising your hands and wiggling your fingers downward to sign 'snow'.

3

The snow is very deep.

Sign 'snow' with the fluttering fingers, and then use flat hands to indicate a high level on your body to show the depth.

How to Sign "Snow"
Start with both hands raised in front of you, palms facing slightly downward, with your fingers spread apart. Slowly lower both hands while wiggling your fingers in a fluttering motion. This movement mimics the gentle falling of snowflakes from the sky.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'snow' is highly iconic, meaning it visually resembles the concept it represents. The raised hands symbolize the sky, and the wiggling fingers moving downward perfectly mimic the erratic, fluttering path of snowflakes as they gently fall to the ground. This visual logic makes it one of the more intuitive and easy-to-remember signs for beginners.
Signing Tips
When signing 'snow,' focus on keeping your movements light and fluid to accurately represent the gentle, drifting nature of falling snowflakes. The wiggling of your fingers should be continuous and relaxed as your hands move downward. You can also adjust the speed and intensity of the sign to convey different types of weather; a slow, gentle flutter indicates a light flurry, while a faster, more erratic movement can suggest a heavier snowfall.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is moving their hands straight down without wiggling their fingers. This rigid movement looks much more like the sign for 'rain' rather than 'snow.' Another common error is keeping the fingers tightly closed instead of spread apart. Make sure your fingers are open and fluttering independently to clearly show the individual snowflakes drifting through the air.
Regional Variations
Some signers may precede the falling motion by signing 'white' (pulling an 'O' handshape away from the chest) to specify 'white snow,' though the fluttering downward movement alone is standard and universally understood.
Examples Using "Snow" in a Sentence
1

It is going to snow tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow' first to establish the timeframe, then use the gentle, fluttering downward motion for 'snow'.

2

I love playing in the snow.

After signing 'I love play,' finish the sentence by raising your hands and wiggling your fingers downward to sign 'snow'.

3

The snow is very deep.

Sign 'snow' with the fluttering fingers, and then use flat hands to indicate a high level on your body to show the depth.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for 'snow' and 'rain'?

While both signs use a downward motion, 'rain' involves moving the hands down in short, sharp strokes without wiggling the fingers, representing heavy drops of water. 'Snow' requires a gentle downward motion with continuously fluttering fingers.

How do I sign a blizzard or heavy snowstorm?

To show a heavy snowstorm, make the sign for 'snow' much faster and more intense. You can add a swirling motion with your hands and use a matching facial expression, like puffed cheeks or squinted eyes, to show the severity.

Does the sign change if I'm talking about a snowball?

Yes! While 'snow' uses the fluttering downward motion, 'snowball' is typically signed by first signing 'snow' and then mimicking the action of packing a round ball of snow between your curved hands.

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