Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Thunder"

To sign 'thunder,' start by pointing your dominant index finger to your ear, which is the sign for 'hear.' Next, form both hands into 'S' handshapes (fists) and hold them out in front of you. Shake your fists back and forth a few times to mimic the rumbling vibration of thunder.

Examples Using "Thunder" in a Sentence

1

The thunder was very loud last night.

Sign 'last night,' then sign 'thunder' by pointing to your ear and shaking your fists. Follow this with the sign for 'loud,' using an intense facial expression to emphasize the booming volume.

2

My dog is scared of thunder.

Start by signing 'my dog,' then sign 'scared.' Finish the sentence with the sign for 'thunder.' Make sure your facial expression matches the feeling of fear when signing 'scared.'

3

I heard thunder, so it might rain.

Sign 'thunder' (which already includes the concept of hearing it), then sign 'maybe' and 'rain.' This creates a natural, logical flow connecting the sound to the weather.

How to Sign "Thunder"
To sign 'thunder,' start by pointing your dominant index finger to your ear, which is the sign for 'hear.' Next, form both hands into 'S' handshapes (fists) and hold them out in front of you. Shake your fists back and forth a few times to mimic the rumbling vibration of thunder.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'thunder' is a wonderful example of a compound sign in ASL that relies heavily on visual and sensory logic. The first part of the sign is 'hear,' which establishes that thunder is primarily an auditory experience. The second part of the sign uses two shaking fists to visually and physically represent the heavy, rolling vibrations that you feel and hear during a storm. Together, these two concepts perfectly capture the essence of a booming thunderstorm.
Signing Tips
When signing 'thunder,' your facial expression is a crucial element for conveying the intensity of the sound. Squint your eyes slightly or furrow your brow to show that the thunder is loud, sudden, or powerful. The shaking motion of your fists should feel heavy and vibrating, just like the physical sensation of a real thunderstorm. Try to make the movement energetic rather than stiff, allowing your arms to naturally mimic the rolling, echoing nature of thunder across the sky.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is forgetting the first part of the sign, which involves pointing to the ear. Because thunder is an auditory event, the 'hear' component is essential for clarity. Without pointing to your ear first, aggressively shaking your fists in front of your body might look like you are signing 'earthquake,' 'vibration,' or just shaking an object. Always remember to combine both the 'hear' and the 'rumble' actions to complete the full sign accurately.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Thunder" in a Sentence
1

The thunder was very loud last night.

Sign 'last night,' then sign 'thunder' by pointing to your ear and shaking your fists. Follow this with the sign for 'loud,' using an intense facial expression to emphasize the booming volume.

2

My dog is scared of thunder.

Start by signing 'my dog,' then sign 'scared.' Finish the sentence with the sign for 'thunder.' Make sure your facial expression matches the feeling of fear when signing 'scared.'

3

I heard thunder, so it might rain.

Sign 'thunder' (which already includes the concept of hearing it), then sign 'maybe' and 'rain.' This creates a natural, logical flow connecting the sound to the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to point to my ear every time I sign thunder?

Yes, pointing to the ear is an important part of this specific sign. It clarifies that you are talking about a sound. Without it, the shaking fists might be easily confused with other signs like 'earthquake' or 'vibration'.

Should my fists shake together or alternate?

You can shake your fists back and forth in a slightly alternating motion or together. The most important part is capturing the heavy, rumbling vibration of the thunder with your movement rather than the exact synchronization of your hands.

How do I show that the thunder is really loud?

In ASL, you show volume and intensity through your facial expressions and the size of your movements. To show loud thunder, make the shaking motion of your fists larger and more vigorous, and furrow your eyebrows to show intensity.

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