# 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](http://fr.ava.me/asl/swim) | [run](http://fr.ava.me/asl/run) | [walk](http://fr.ava.me/asl/walk) | [sprint](http://fr.ava.me/asl/sprint) | [sleep](http://fr.ava.me/asl/sleep) | [jog](http://fr.ava.me/asl/jog) | [climb](http://fr.ava.me/asl/climb) | [read](http://fr.ava.me/asl/read) | [write](http://fr.ava.me/asl/write) | [drive](http://fr.ava.me/asl/drive) | [drink](http://fr.ava.me/asl/drink) | [eat](http://fr.ava.me/asl/eat) | [laugh](http://fr.ava.me/asl/laugh) | [cry](http://fr.ava.me/asl/cry) | [fly](http://fr.ava.me/asl/fly)

## 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](https://fr.ava.me/asl) | [Try Ava](https://web.ava.me/web/signup)