Hungry, desire

Very hungry or strong hunger.

Signs: I. Hungry. Eat. Desire (want)

I =thumb points to chest

Hungry=flat hand at waist with sawing action.

Eat=cupped hand toward mouth then down as in swallowing.

Desire=cupped hand rotated toward mouth.

This direct and impolite command, “I hungry want eat” expressed simply: sign hungry. 

If begging for food:

Eat - no

Then point to belly and sign poor.

Some Indian expressions are puzzling (less direct and more polite). For instance:

If you want to know if someone is hungry you wouldn’t sign: Are you hungry”? You would sign: “maybe so (perhaps) you hungry. Maybe so you hungry. I give you food.”

Two examples below where sign expresses desire or need

.

Thirsty = water hungry 

Sleepy = sleep hunger

Hungry for more possessions