How to Sign "Strong"
To sign “Strong”, Using both hands set on both shoulders. Then both hands move away from your shoulders with hands formed into the fists. This sign is like you are flexing your arms muscles.
Examples Using "Strong" in a Sentence
1
She is a strong leader.
Sign "SHE", then sign "STRONG" by starting with your hands at your shoulders and pulling them forward into firm fists, followed by the sign for "LEADER".
2
I need strong coffee.
Point to yourself for "I", sign "NEED", then perform the "STRONG" sign by flexing your fists outward from your shoulders, and finish with the sign for "COFFEE".
3
The wind is very strong today.
Sign "TODAY", then "WIND", and finally emphasize the "STRONG" sign by using a slightly more forceful motion as you pull your hands from your shoulders into tight fists.
How to Sign "Strong"
To sign “Strong”, Using both hands set on both shoulders. Then both hands move away from your shoulders with hands formed into the fists. This sign is like you are flexing your arms muscles.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "strong" is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the concept it describes. The motion of placing your hands near your shoulders and pulling them forward into tight fists directly mimics the action of flexing your biceps and upper body muscles. In ASL, physical actions are often used to convey abstract concepts. Here, the physical display of muscular strength perfectly translates to both physical power and inner or emotional strength.
Signing Tips
To make your sign for "strong" look natural, focus on the tension in your hands and arms. As your hands move away from your shoulders and form into fists, add a slight firmness to the movement to visually represent strength. Your facial expression should match the intensity of the strength you are describing. If you are talking about someone who is incredibly strong, furrow your brows slightly and make the flexing motion more pronounced and deliberate.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is keeping their hands too loose or relaxed when pulling away from the shoulders. Since this sign represents flexing muscles, failing to form tight fists can make the sign look weak or confusing. Another frequent error is moving the hands outward to the extreme sides rather than forward. Make sure your hands start near your shoulders and move forward and slightly down, mimicking a natural muscle flex.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Strong" in a Sentence
1She is a strong leader.
Sign "SHE", then sign "STRONG" by starting with your hands at your shoulders and pulling them forward into firm fists, followed by the sign for "LEADER".
2I need strong coffee.
Point to yourself for "I", sign "NEED", then perform the "STRONG" sign by flexing your fists outward from your shoulders, and finish with the sign for "COFFEE".
3The wind is very strong today.
Sign "TODAY", then "WIND", and finally emphasize the "STRONG" sign by using a slightly more forceful motion as you pull your hands from your shoulders into tight fists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for emotional strength as well as physical strength?
Yes! In ASL, the sign for "strong" is versatile. You can use this exact same motion—pulling your hands from your shoulders into fists—to describe someone who is physically muscular, as well as someone who is emotionally resilient or mentally tough.
How is "strong" different from the sign for "brave"?
While both signs involve making fists, "brave" starts with your hands open on your chest and pulls forward into fists. "Strong" specifically starts with your hands up near your shoulders before moving outward to mimic flexing your arm muscles.
Do I need to flex my actual muscles when signing this?
You don't need to be a bodybuilder, but adding a little bit of physical tension to your arms and hands as you form the fists helps convey the meaning clearly. A firm, deliberate motion makes the sign much more expressive.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!