Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Sun"

To sign 'sun', bring the dominant hand up to forehead level, with the hand out from the head and the palm facing outwards. Pinch the fingertips together into a teardrop shape. Twist the wrist so the palm faces inwards. Bend the hand at the wrist, and relax the hand, leaving the hand in a claw shape.

Examples Using "Sun" in a Sentence

1

The sun is very bright today.

Sign 'sun' by twisting your pinched fingers into a claw shape above your head, then sign 'bright' and 'today'. You can squint your eyes slightly to emphasize the brightness.

2

I love watching the sun set.

After signing 'sun' using the twist-and-open motion at your forehead, use a flat hand classifier to show the sun slowly moving downward below the horizon.

3

Don't forget your sunglasses!

Sign 'sun' high up near your forehead, then mimic putting on glasses over your eyes to complete the compound concept of sunglasses.

How to Sign "Sun"
To sign 'sun', bring the dominant hand up to forehead level, with the hand out from the head and the palm facing outwards. Pinch the fingertips together into a teardrop shape. Twist the wrist so the palm faces inwards. Bend the hand at the wrist, and relax the hand, leaving the hand in a claw shape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'sun' is highly iconic and visually motivated. The placement of the sign high up near the forehead represents the sun's position high in the sky above us. The initial pinched handshape represents the solid, round mass of the sun itself. As you twist your wrist and open your fingers into a claw shape, you are visually depicting the sun's rays bursting outward and shining down onto the earth and your face.
Signing Tips
When signing 'sun', make sure to position your hand high enough—around forehead level or slightly above—to accurately represent the sun in the sky. The movement should be a fluid, continuous motion: start with your fingertips pinched together facing outward, then twist your wrist inward while simultaneously opening your fingers into a relaxed claw shape. This opening motion beautifully mimics the sun's rays shining down on you. Keep your facial expressions engaged; if you are talking about a hot or bright sun, squinting slightly adds great natural context.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is signing 'sun' too low, such as at chest or chin level, which loses the visual connection to the sky. Always keep it up near your forehead. Another frequent error is forgetting to twist the wrist. Simply opening your hand from a pinched shape without the twist can look like the sign for 'light' or 'send' depending on the context. Make sure you start with the palm facing outward and finish with the palm facing inward in that relaxed claw shape.
Regional Variations
A common variation involves tracing a circle in the air near the forehead with an index finger or a 'C' handshape before opening the hand to show the rays. However, the twist-and-open variation taught here is highly standard and widely understood.
Examples Using "Sun" in a Sentence
1

The sun is very bright today.

Sign 'sun' by twisting your pinched fingers into a claw shape above your head, then sign 'bright' and 'today'. You can squint your eyes slightly to emphasize the brightness.

2

I love watching the sun set.

After signing 'sun' using the twist-and-open motion at your forehead, use a flat hand classifier to show the sun slowly moving downward below the horizon.

3

Don't forget your sunglasses!

Sign 'sun' high up near your forehead, then mimic putting on glasses over your eyes to complete the compound concept of sunglasses.

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

You should use your dominant hand to sign 'sun'. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if left-handed, use your left. Just make sure it is positioned high up near your forehead.

What is the difference between 'sun' and 'light'?

While both signs involve opening the fingers to represent rays, 'sun' is specifically placed high up at forehead level and includes a distinct wrist twist. 'Light' is typically signed lower, near the chin or chest, without the same twisting motion.

Should my hand touch my forehead?

No, your hand should not touch your forehead. It should be positioned out and away from your head, leaving enough space to comfortably twist your wrist and open your fingers into the claw shape.

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