ASL uses expressive facial grammar alongside handshapes to convey feelings and bodily states. HAPPY is signed by brushing a flat hand upward against the chest while wearing a broad, genuine smile. SAD shows both flat hands sliding down the face with fingers drooping, paired with a downturned mouth. ANGRY uses a clawlike 5 handshape pulled outward and down sharply, accompanied by furrowed brows and a tense expression. BEAUTIFUL traces a circle around the face starting near the chin, ending with the palm facing the viewer in appreciation.
Physical sensations use iconic motions that imitate the body's experience. COLD is signed with fists held against the upper chest or arms while the signer visibly shivers. HOT flicks the index finger outward from the mouth as if reacting to burning food. TIRED lets both arms droop heavily from the shoulders or allows the head to rest on the back of an open hand, mimicking exhaustion. SCARED forms fists near the chest and rapidly opens and closes them while the arms tremble, with widened eyes showing fear. SURPRISED opens both hands from O shapes into spread fingers in front of the chest, paired with raised brows and widened eyes.
Other internal states include HUNGRY, made by curling the fingers into a loose C shape and moving the hand downward repeatedly in front of the stomach; THIRSTY, which taps the index finger against the chin or lower lip as if bringing a cup to the mouth; WANT, signed by pulling both claw-shaped hands toward the body with an eager expression; and NEED, an X handshape tapping firmly into the non-dominant palm to convey urgency. LOVE crosses both arms over the chest with closed fists, palms inward, like hugging oneself at the heart.