# How to Sign “Cry” in Sign Language

Despite popular belief, crying does more than just express emotions. In fact, tears contain a natural painkiller called leucine-enkephalin, which helps to reduce physical and emotional pain.

## Signing “Cry”  
1. Hand shape: Start with your hands in an “L” handshape.  
2. Hand location: Bring your hands to your face, touching each side of your eyes.  
3. Movement: Brush your index finger downwards, as if tracing the tears along your cheeks.  
4. Facial expression: Keep a neutral facial expression.

## Learn how to sign other verbs!  
[swim](/content/asl/swim/index.html) | [run](/content/asl/run/index.html) | [walk](/content/asl/walk/index.html) | [sprint](/content/asl/sprint/index.html) | [sleep](/content/asl/sleep/index.html) | [jog](/content/asl/jog/index.html) | [climb](/content/asl/climb/index.html) | [read](/content/asl/read/index.html) | [write](/content/asl/write/index.html) | [drive](/content/asl/drive/index.html) | [drink](/content/asl/drink/index.html) | [eat](/content/asl/eat/index.html) | [laugh](/content/asl/laugh/index.html) | [cry](/content/asl/cry/index.html) | [fly](/content/asl/fly/index.html)

## Break Communication Barriers  
Learn more signs on our regularly updated ASL page! As you're picking up sign language, try using Ava for more meaningful conversations with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

[ASL](/content/asl/index.html)  
[Try Ava](https://web.ava.me/web/signup)