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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Stomachache"

To sign 'stomachache,' start by forming both hands into curved, claw-like shapes, similar to an open '5' handshape but with the fingers bent. Place both hands directly on your stomach area. Twist your hands slightly inward toward each other. As you make this twisting motion, it is essential to show a pained or uncomfortable expression on your face to convey the feeling of illness.

Examples Using "Stomachache" in a Sentence

1

I ate too much and now I have a stomachache.

Sign 'EAT' and 'TOO-MUCH', then transition into the sign for 'STOMACHACHE'. Make sure to use a strong grimace during 'STOMACHACHE' to show that you are regretting eating that extra food!

2

Do you have a stomachache?

Sign 'STOMACHACHE' while raising your eyebrows, leaning your head forward slightly, and maintaining eye contact. These non-manual markers turn the statement into a yes/no question, asking the person if they are in pain.

3

My stomachache is finally gone.

Start with the sign for 'STOMACHACHE' using a pained expression, then sign 'FINISH' or 'GONE' while relaxing your face into a relieved expression to show that the pain has passed.

How to Sign "Stomachache"
To sign 'stomachache,' start by forming both hands into curved, claw-like shapes, similar to an open '5' handshape but with the fingers bent. Place both hands directly on your stomach area. Twist your hands slightly inward toward each other. As you make this twisting motion, it is essential to show a pained or uncomfortable expression on your face to convey the feeling of illness.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually motivated. The clawed handshapes placed directly on the stomach visually represent the physical sensation of cramping, churning, or twisting pain that you feel when you have a stomachache. By physically mimicking the internal turmoil of an upset stomach with your hands, the sign creates a direct, intuitive connection between the action and the meaning. The accompanying facial expression naturally mirrors the real-life reaction to abdominal discomfort.
Signing Tips
When signing 'stomachache,' your facial expression is just as important as your hand movements. ASL relies heavily on non-manual markers, so make sure to grimace, squint, or show visible discomfort to accurately convey the 'ache' part of the word. Keep the twisting motion of your clawed hands relatively small and deliberate, pressing gently against your torso. If the pain is severe, you can make the twisting motion slightly more intense and exaggerate your pained facial expression to match the severity.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is forgetting to use a pained facial expression. Without the grimace, the sign might look like you are simply holding your stomach or describing your clothing rather than experiencing physical pain. Another frequent error is making the twisting motion too large, frantic, or far away from the body. The hands should stay in contact with or very close to your stomach, and the twist should be a tight, controlled movement to represent internal cramping.
Regional Variations
While the twisting claw hands on the stomach is a very common way to sign 'stomachache' or 'upset stomach,' another widely accepted variation uses the standard sign for 'HURT.' In this variation, you take your index fingers, point them toward each other, and twist them in opposite directions while placing them near your stomach area. Both variations are correct and universally understood across the Deaf community.
Examples Using "Stomachache" in a Sentence
1

I ate too much and now I have a stomachache.

Sign 'EAT' and 'TOO-MUCH', then transition into the sign for 'STOMACHACHE'. Make sure to use a strong grimace during 'STOMACHACHE' to show that you are regretting eating that extra food!

2

Do you have a stomachache?

Sign 'STOMACHACHE' while raising your eyebrows, leaning your head forward slightly, and maintaining eye contact. These non-manual markers turn the statement into a yes/no question, asking the person if they are in pain.

3

My stomachache is finally gone.

Start with the sign for 'STOMACHACHE' using a pained expression, then sign 'FINISH' or 'GONE' while relaxing your face into a relieved expression to show that the pain has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use both hands for this sign?

While using both hands emphasizes the discomfort and is very common, you can absolutely sign 'stomachache' using just your dominant hand. A single claw hand twisting on your stomach conveys the exact same meaning, especially in casual conversation.

How is 'stomachache' different from the sign for 'hungry'?

Though both signs are located on the torso, they are quite different. 'Hungry' uses a 'C' handshape that moves downward on the chest, representing food sliding down the esophagus. 'Stomachache' uses clawed hands that twist directly on the stomach to show cramping.

Can I use this sign to mean nausea or an upset stomach?

Yes! This twisting claw motion on the stomach is a versatile sign used to convey general stomach upset, nausea, cramping, or indigestion. The intensity of your facial expression will help clarify exactly how bad your stomach is feeling.

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