Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Vroom"

To sign vroom, start by pointing your dominant index finger to your ear, as if listening to a sound. Then, bring both hands in front of you with palms facing down and fingers spread in a relaxed '5' handshape. Push both hands forward and slightly outward quickly to mimic the sudden motion and roaring sound of a car speeding away.

Examples Using "Vroom" in a Sentence

1

The sports car went vroom as it passed by.

To sign this, you would first set up the context by signing 'car' and 'fast', and then use the 'vroom' sign with an energetic forward motion to show the sound and speed of the vehicle.

2

I heard a loud vroom from the motorcycle outside.

Begin by signing 'motorcycle' and 'loud', then use the 'vroom' sign. Pointing to your ear during the sign naturally emphasizes that you are describing the loud engine noise you just heard.

3

The little boy loves making vroom noises with his toys.

Sign 'boy', 'play', and 'toy car', followed by the 'vroom' sign. You can repeat the forward hand motion a couple of times to show that he is continuously making the sound while playing.

How to Sign "Vroom"
To sign vroom, start by pointing your dominant index finger to your ear, as if listening to a sound. Then, bring both hands in front of you with palms facing down and fingers spread in a relaxed '5' handshape. Push both hands forward and slightly outward quickly to mimic the sudden motion and roaring sound of a car speeding away.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of how ASL combines different concepts to create meaning. The first part of the sign—pointing to the ear—establishes the auditory nature of the word, indicating that a sound is being perceived. The second part uses a quick, forward gesture with the hands to visually represent the sudden, fast motion of a vehicle zooming past. Together, they perfectly capture the sensory experience of the word vroom.
Signing Tips
When signing vroom, the energy you put into the movement is just as important as the handshapes. Make sure to emphasize the quick, forward push of your hands to truly capture the speed and power of a revving engine. Your facial expression plays a huge role here as well—mouthing the word 'vroom' or widening your eyes helps convey the suddenness and loudness of the sound, making your ASL much more expressive and natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is forgetting the initial point to the ear. Because vroom is an onomatopoeia (a word that represents a sound), pointing to the ear is crucial for establishing that you are describing a noise. Additionally, avoid making the forward hand motion too slow or rigid. If the movement lacks energy, it won't effectively convey the fast, zooming nature of a speeding vehicle.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Vroom" in a Sentence
1

The sports car went vroom as it passed by.

To sign this, you would first set up the context by signing 'car' and 'fast', and then use the 'vroom' sign with an energetic forward motion to show the sound and speed of the vehicle.

2

I heard a loud vroom from the motorcycle outside.

Begin by signing 'motorcycle' and 'loud', then use the 'vroom' sign. Pointing to your ear during the sign naturally emphasizes that you are describing the loud engine noise you just heard.

3

The little boy loves making vroom noises with his toys.

Sign 'boy', 'play', and 'toy car', followed by the 'vroom' sign. You can repeat the forward hand motion a couple of times to show that he is continuously making the sound while playing.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use my voice when signing vroom?

You don't need to vocalize the sound, but mouthing the word 'vroom' or using a dynamic facial expression is highly encouraged. It adds important context and energy, showing how loud or fast the vehicle is.

Why do I point to my ear first?

Pointing to the ear sets up the context that vroom is specifically a sound you are hearing. Since it's a sound word, this initial gesture clarifies that you are talking about the noise of the engine, not just the car itself.

Can I use this sign for anything that moves fast?

While the forward motion is great for showing speed, this specific sign (with the point to the ear) is best used for loud engine noises like cars or motorcycles. For a silent fast object, you would use a different sign for 'fast' or 'zoom'.

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