How to Sign "Train"

Form both hands into 'U' or 'H' handshapes, with your index and middle fingers extended and kept tightly together. Hold your non-dominant hand out in front of you with the palm facing down. Place your dominant hand on top of the non-dominant hand, palm down, and rub it back and forth along the fingers a couple of times.

Examples Using "Train" in a Sentence

1

We took the train to the city.

Sign 'train' by rubbing your dominant 'U' hand back and forth over your non-dominant 'U' hand, then sign 'city'.

2

The train is arriving soon.

Establish the sign for 'train' first, then use the sign for 'arrive' to show the vehicle pulling into the station.

3

I like riding the train.

Point to yourself, sign 'like', and then perform the 'train' sign to express your preference for this mode of transportation.

How to Sign "Train"
Form both hands into 'U' or 'H' handshapes, with your index and middle fingers extended and kept tightly together. Hold your non-dominant hand out in front of you with the palm facing down. Place your dominant hand on top of the non-dominant hand, palm down, and rub it back and forth along the fingers a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'train' is highly visual and iconic. The stationary non-dominant fingers represent the solid, unmoving railroad tracks. The dominant fingers resting on top represent the train cars themselves, and the back-and-forth rubbing motion mimics the wheels of the train gliding smoothly along the tracks.
Signing Tips
Keep your index and middle fingers tightly together on both hands to form clear 'U' or 'H' handshapes. Ensure the movement is a smooth, horizontal back-and-forth glide, keeping the dominant hand in contact with the non-dominant hand. The non-dominant hand should remain completely still as the 'track' while the dominant hand acts as the moving 'train.'
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands at the same time; remember that the bottom hand must stay stationary to represent the tracks. Another frequent error is using full flat hands instead of just the index and middle fingers, which can make the sign look sloppy or resemble the sign for 'pet.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Train" in a Sentence
1

We took the train to the city.

Sign 'train' by rubbing your dominant 'U' hand back and forth over your non-dominant 'U' hand, then sign 'city'.

2

The train is arriving soon.

Establish the sign for 'train' first, then use the sign for 'arrive' to show the vehicle pulling into the station.

3

I like riding the train.

Point to yourself, sign 'like', and then perform the 'train' sign to express your preference for this mode of transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean 'train' like practicing, or 'train' like the vehicle?

This specific sign refers exclusively to the vehicle, like a locomotive or subway. If you want to talk about training for a sport or practicing a skill, you would use a completely different sign involving rubbing an 'A' handshape along the opposite index finger.

Which hand should be on top?

Your dominant hand should always be the one on top doing the moving. Your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base or the 'tracks' underneath.

How many times should I rub my hands back and forth?

Typically, you rub your dominant hand back and forth about two times. Since 'train' is a noun, it uses a short, repeated, and distinct movement.

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