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How To Sign Thirsty
in American Sign Language.
ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "Thirsty" in American Sign Language (ASL), use your index finger to trace a line down your throat from your chin to your chest, representing the feeling of dryness in your throat when you need water.
📖 Word definition
Feeling a need or desire to drink something; having a dry mouth or throat due to need for liquid.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide

  1. Hand Shape: Dominant hand in "1" handshape (index finger extended, other fingers closed).
  2. Starting Position: Index finger touches just below your chin at the throat area.
  3. Movement: Draw index finger straight down your throat to upper chest area.
  4. Path: Smooth downward line along the center of your throat.
  5. Hand Orientation: Fingertip maintains contact with throat throughout movement.
  6. Facial Expression: Show slight discomfort or need, mouth may appear slightly dry.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid

❌ Wrong finger: Use index finger only, not multiple fingers.

❌ No contact: Keep finger touching throat, don't sign in the air.

❌ Wrong direction: Move downward only, not up or sideways.

❌ Too short movement: Trace full length from chin to upper chest area.

💬 Common Sentence Examples

"I am very thirsty."
How to sign: Sign "I" (point to yourself) → sign "very" (V hands pull apart) → sign "thirsty" (index finger down throat).
"The children are thirsty."
How to sign: Sign "children" (pat heads at different heights) → sign "thirsty" (index finger down throat).
"Are you thirsty for water?"
How to sign: Sign "you" (point forward) → sign "thirsty" → sign "water" (W hand at mouth) → raise eyebrows for question.