The Complete Guide to Every Hand Sign in the Naruto Universe
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Have you ever been curious about all the different hand signs (called hand seals) used in the Naruto manga and anime? After all, there are many signs to follow—from the basic 12 signs used to master most jutsu techniques to special seals used by only one or two characters! We’ve compiled a collection of all of Naruto’s hand signs, along with instructions on how to perform each one. Read on and learn how to master Naruto’s hand seals like a true jutsu shinobi!
rat (No) Each of the basic Naruto hand seals is based on a corresponding animal in the Chinese zodiac—thus the Rat Seal is based on the Rat zodiac sign. The Nara clan primarily uses this hand seal in their signature shadow imitation techniques.
- How to do it: Keep your left index and middle fingers straight as you bend the rest, then wrap the fingers of your right hand around two fingers of your left hand while standing.[1]
Ox (Ushi) Although not required to release any nature transformation, some ninja in Naruto use the Ox Hand seal for fire jutsu—notably Sasuke, his brother Itachi, and other members of the Uchiha clan. It is very strong when combined with Fire Release!
- How to do it: Extend your fingers and cross them, bending the middle and little fingers of your left hand at the back of your right hand—and keep your forearms horizontal.[2]
Tiger (Tora) Tiger’s hand seal is required for fire and earth release techniques (which is why it’s another seal often used by Sasuke and the Uchiha clan).
- How to do it: Bring your hands together by interlacing your fingers while keeping your forearms horizontal. Then raise your left and right index and middle fingers and join them at the tips.[3]
- Variant: Crossed tiger. Haku used this hand seal to perform the Demon Mirror Ice Crystal Technique. To make this sign, make the Tiger Hand Seal, but cross your middle fingers over your index finger.
- Variant: Curved tiger. This is another version of Tiger’s Hand Seal used to perform the Moon Shadow Technique. It is like the original tiger seal; however, bend the right index and middle fingers in front of the left.
rabbit (U) Based on the Chinese zodiac sign of the rabbit, the rabbit seal is not used to transform nature. Instead, ninjas like Sasuke and Kakashi often use it to channel Chidori or use lightning arms.
- How to do it: Make an “L” (or pistol motion) with your left hand with your thumb and forefinger. Then bend all the fingers of your right hand except the little finger and bring your hands together so that your right little finger rests over the left thumb.[4]
Dragon (Tatsu) Although it has no elemental properties, a dragon hand seal can be used with an elemental based seal to create a dragon form manifestation in that element!
- How to do it: Bring your hands together by crossing your fingers. Then extend the little fingers down, let the tips touch. Finally, extend your thumbs upwards, allowing the left thumb to sit above the right.[5]
Snake (We) The Snake Hand Seal is associated with earth, lightning, and natural transformation releases—making it one of Naruto’s most used signs!
- How to do it: This is one of the easiest signs to master. Hold your hands straight and bring them palm to palm before interlacing your fingers (as if praying).[6]
- Variant: A covered snake. The Naruto anime features the Veiled Serpent hand seal, similar to the original—except your right fingers should be on top of your left (instead of overlapping).
Horse (Uma) Sasuke mainly uses the horse hand seal as part of his fireball technique (and is similarly popular with members of the Uchiha clan as they use fire-based jutsu). It is also used to dispel illusory genjutsu techniques.
- How to do it: Extend your index fingers and bend all other fingers. Connect the index fingers at the tips, then stack the knuckles of the other fingers on top of each other.
- While making this hand seal, remember to place your right fingers on top of your left and keep your palms facing inward!
Ram (Hitsuji) Based on the zodiac sign of the Chinese goat, this hand seal is not a prerequisite for a fundamental transformation of nature. However, it’s still popular in Naruto—often used by Naruto himself while summoning shadow clones!
- How to do it: Raise your index and middle fingers and bring them together—with the right fingers slightly lower than the left. Then fold the ring and pinky fingers of the left hand over the right.
- Variant: Frame in the mirror. This is an alternate form of the ram hand seal used by Obito and Madara. The gesture mirrors the original, with the right hand over the left and the index and middle fingers vertical.
Monkey (Saru) Like the horse seal, this one has no key purpose for transforming nature. Sasuke most often uses Monkey seal in the first two stages of channeling his Chidori.
- How to do it: Place your left hand on top of your right hand, palm to palm. Then slide your right finger between your left thumb and forefinger.
bird (Tori) This seal is based on the zodiac sign of the Chinese Rooster, which represents the transformation of Wind Release. By using the seal, characters can begin using various wind-based ninjutsu techniques!
- How to do it: Form an arch with your middle finger and little finger while crossing your ring finger and index finger. Finally, bring the tips of your thumbs together.
Dog (Inu) The dog (Inu) hand seal is used in a number of nature transformation techniques in Naruto. Specifically, it is used for Water Release and is often used by ninjas who specialize in using water (like Zabuza or Kisame).
- How to do it: Make a fist with your right hand. Then place the open palm of your left hand on top of your right hand.
boar (me) The boar seal is based on the Chinese pig’s zodiac sign, and is used in Naruto to summon jutsu.
- How to do it: Make a partial fist with both hands and bring your palms together—but keep your forearms parallel to the ground. This might strain your muscles a bit, so take it slow!
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Source: HIS Education