Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Temperature"

To sign 'temperature,' hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing straight up. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing the index finger horizontally so it touches the back of the non-dominant index finger. Slide your dominant index finger up and down along the back of the non-dominant finger a couple of times.

Examples Using "Temperature" in a Sentence

1

What is the temperature outside?

To ask this, sign 'temperature' followed by 'outside'. Since this is a 'wh-' question, remember to furrow your eyebrows and lean forward slightly when signing 'what' at the end.

2

The temperature is dropping.

Start by signing 'temperature'. Then, to show that it is getting colder, you can use a downward gesture or sign 'cold' to clearly convey the change in the weather.

3

I need to check the temperature.

Begin with the signs for 'I', 'need', and 'check'. Finish the sentence by signing 'temperature', keeping your non-dominant hand steady as your dominant finger moves up and down.

How to Sign "Temperature"
To sign 'temperature,' hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing straight up. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing the index finger horizontally so it touches the back of the non-dominant index finger. Slide your dominant index finger up and down along the back of the non-dominant finger a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'temperature' is highly iconic and grounded in visual logic, representing a traditional glass thermometer. Your stationary non-dominant finger acts as the glass tube of the thermometer itself. Meanwhile, your moving dominant finger represents the mercury or colored alcohol inside the tube, rising and falling to indicate how hot or cold it is. This visual connection makes it a very intuitive and easy-to-remember sign for beginners learning American Sign Language.
Signing Tips
When signing 'temperature,' focus on keeping your non-dominant index finger perfectly steady while your dominant index finger does all the moving. The motion should be smooth and controlled, mimicking the rising and falling of liquid in a classic thermometer. Make sure the up-and-down movement is distinct and repeated a couple of times. This helps ensure your sign is clear and isn't accidentally confused with similar signs, such as 'month,' which only uses a single downward motion.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is moving both hands at the same time instead of keeping the non-dominant hand completely stationary as a base. Make sure only your dominant hand slides up and down. Additionally, ensure the dominant index finger touches the back of the non-dominant index finger, rather than the front or the side. Finally, remember to use a repeated up-and-down motion; sliding down only once will change the meaning of the sign entirely.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Temperature" in a Sentence
1

What is the temperature outside?

To ask this, sign 'temperature' followed by 'outside'. Since this is a 'wh-' question, remember to furrow your eyebrows and lean forward slightly when signing 'what' at the end.

2

The temperature is dropping.

Start by signing 'temperature'. Then, to show that it is getting colder, you can use a downward gesture or sign 'cold' to clearly convey the change in the weather.

3

I need to check the temperature.

Begin with the signs for 'I', 'need', and 'check'. Finish the sentence by signing 'temperature', keeping your non-dominant hand steady as your dominant finger moves up and down.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign used for both weather and body temperature?

Yes, this versatile sign can be used to discuss both the weather outside and a person's body temperature. The context of your conversation will naturally make it clear to the person you are signing with whether you are talking about a hot summer day or checking to see if someone is sick.

How is this sign different from the sign for 'month'?

While both signs use '1' handshapes and similar hand placements, the movement is the key difference. The sign for 'month' involves sliding the dominant index finger down the back of the non-dominant index finger just one time. In contrast, 'temperature' requires a repeated up-and-down sliding motion.

Can I use this sign to mean 'fever'?

While they are related concepts, 'fever' is usually signed differently. 'Fever' is typically signed by placing the back of your hand against your forehead, mimicking the action of checking for heat. However, you can sign 'high' followed by 'temperature' to convey a very similar meaning in a medical context.

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