How to Sign "Pain" in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), "pain" and "hurt" are generally expressed with the same sign. Extend the index finger of each hand and point the fingertips toward each other, a small gap apart. Then twist both hands in opposite directions, or jab the fingertips toward each other a couple of times. Make the sign at or near the part of the body that hurts. The location tells the viewer where the pain is, so one sign can mean headache, stomachache or toothache depending on where you form it.

One distinction affects the answer: which sign language you need. This guide describes ASL, which is used in the United States and much of Canada. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language or Auslan, are separate languages with their own vocabulary. If you are communicating with someone outside ASL, don't assume this sign carries over.

Forming the sign step by step

• 1. Make a fist with each hand, then extend only the index fingers.
• 2. Point the two index fingers toward each other so the tips nearly meet, with a small gap between them.
• 3. Place your hands at the location of the pain, for example in front of your forehead for a headache or in front of your stomach for a stomachache.
• 4. Twist your hands in opposite directions, or move the fingertips toward each other in short repeated jabs.
• 5. Let your face match the pain. A tense or pained expression is part of the message, not decoration.

How to check your sign

Practise in front of a mirror, or record yourself and play it back. Look for four things. Only your index fingers should be extended. The fingertips should point toward each other rather than up. Your hands should sit clearly at the body part you mean. And your facial expression should match the intensity you want to show. A self-check confirms what your sign looks like. It cannot confirm that a fluent signer will read it as you intend, so ask a Deaf signer or an ASL instructor for feedback if accuracy matters.

Showing where it hurts

Meaning | Where to form the HURT sign

Headache | In front of the forehead or temple

Toothache | Near the cheek or jaw, on the side of the sore tooth

Earache | Beside the affected ear

Sore throat | In front of the throat

Stomachache | In front of the stomach

Chest pain | In front of the chest

Pain somewhere hard to reach, such as the back | Point to or touch the area first, then sign HURT

Showing how bad the pain is

ASL conveys intensity mainly through facial expression and the size and energy of the movement. A slight frown with a small, slow twist suggests mild discomfort. A strongly pained face with sharp, repeated movements signals severe pain. In clinical settings, people are often asked to rate pain on a scale. You can answer by signing a number. Signers may also adjust the movement to suggest throbbing or sharp pain. No source was supplied to confirm specific variations, so check those with a fluent signer before relying on them.

Related phrases

• "I'm in pain" or "It hurts here": point to yourself if needed, then sign HURT at the location of the pain.
• "Where does it hurt?": sign HURT, then WHERE (index finger pointing up with a small side-to-side shake), with your eyebrows drawn down, as is typical for questions asking where, what or why.
• "Does it hurt?": sign HURT with your eyebrows raised, as is typical for yes-or-no questions.
• "How bad is it?": ask for a number on a pain scale. The person can answer by signing the number.

Physical pain versus hurt feelings

The sign described here refers to physical pain. Emotional hurt, such as hurt feelings, is often expressed differently in ASL, and this guide does not cover it. If you mean emotional pain, ask a fluent signer which sign fits your context.

Medical and emergency situations

Knowing the sign for pain can help in a quick exchange. It is not a substitute for a qualified interpreter when health decisions are involved. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, US hospitals and healthcare providers are generally required to ensure effective communication with Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, and this can include providing an interpreter. In an emergency, call 911. Text-to-911 is available in many US areas but not all, so confirm whether your area supports it before you need it.

Limits of this guide

This guide is a written description based on general knowledge of ASL. No video demonstrations or cited sources were supplied with it. Signs can vary by region, community and individual signer, and written descriptions of movement are easy to misread. To confirm the sign, watch a reputable ASL video dictionary or ask a Deaf signer or certified instructor.