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A 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 throughout the Naruto manga and anime? After all, there are many signs to keep track of—from the core 12 signs used to master most jutsu techniques to the special seals only used by one or two characters! We’ve assembled a collection of all of Naruto’s hand signs, complete with directions on how to perform each one. Read on and learn how to master Naruto’s hand seals like a true jutsu-wielding shinobi!
Steps
Section 2 of 7:
The 12 Basic Naruto Hand Signs in Depth
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Rat (Ne) Each of the basic Naruto hand seals is based on the corresponding animals in the Chinese zodiac—thus, the Rat hand 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 while folding the rest, then wrap your right-hand fingers around the two left-hand fingers standing up. [1] X Research source
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Ox (Ushi) While it isn’t required for any nature transformation release, some ninjas in Naruto use the Ox hand seal for fire jutsu—especially Sasuke, his brother Itachi, and other Uchiha clan members. It’s very strong when paired with Fire Release!
- How to do it: Extend your fingers and cross them together, bending your left-hand middle and ring fingers on the back of your right hand—and keep your forearms horizontal. [2] X Research source
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Tiger (Tora) The Tiger 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: Clasp your hands together, intertwining your fingers while holding your forearms horizontally. Then, raise your left and right index and middle fingers and bring them together at the tips. [3] X Research source
- Variant: Crossed Tiger. Haku used this hand seal to perform the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals technique. To make this sign, do the Tiger hand seal, but cross your middle fingers over your index fingers.
- Variant: Curved Tiger. This is another version of the Tiger hand seal used to perform the Moon Shadow technique. It’s like the original Tiger seal; however, curve your right index and middle fingers in front of your left ones.
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Hare (U) Based on the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rabbit, the Hare hand seal isn’t used for nature transformation. Instead, ninjas like Sasuke and Kakashi often use it to channel the Chidori or use lightning hands.
- How to do it: Make an “L” (or finger gun gesture) with your left hand using your thumb and index finger. Then, curl all the fingers of your right hand except your pinkie and join your hands, with your right pinkie lying over your left thumb. [4] X Research source
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Dragon (Tatsu) Although it has no elemental properties, the Dragon hand seal can be used with an elemental-based seal to create a dragon-shaped manifestation in that element!
- How to do it: Join your hands by crossing your fingers together. Then, extend your pinkie fingers downward, letting the tips touch. Finally, extend your thumbs up, allowing the left thumb to sit atop the right. [5] X Research source
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Snake (Mi) The Snake hand seal is associated with earth, lightning, and wood nature transformation releases—so it’s one of Naruto's most commonly used signs!
- How to do it: This is one of the easiest hand signs to master. Hold your hands upright and stick them together, palm to palm, before intertwining your fingers (as though you’re praying). [6] X Research source
- Variant: Covered Snake. The Naruto anime features a Covered Snake hand seal, similar to the original—except your right fingers should be on top of your left (instead of overlapping).
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Horse (Uma) The Horse hand seal is mainly used by Sasuke as part of his Fireball technique (and it’s similarly popular with man Uchiha clan members since they use fire-based jutsu). It’s also used to dispel illusory genjutsu techniques.
- How to do it: Stretch out your index fingers and bend all your other fingers. Connect your index fingers at the tips, then stack the knuckles of your other fingers on top of each other.
- While making this hands seal, remember to stack your right fingers on top of your left and keep your palms facing inward!
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Ram (Hitsuji) Based on the Chinese Goat zodiac sign, this hand seal isn’t a requirement for basic nature transformation. However, it’s still popular in Naruto —often used by Naruto himself while summoning shadow clones!
- How to do it: Lift your index and middle fingers and place them together—with your right fingers a little lower than your left. Then, bend your left-hand ring and pink fingers over your right ones.
- Variant: Mirrored Ram. This is an alternate form of the Ram hand seal used by Obito and Madara. The gesture mirrors the original, with your right hand over your left and your forefinger and middle fingers held vertically.
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Monkey (Saru) Like the Horse seal, this one has no crucial nature transformation uses. Sasuke most often uses the Monkey seal in the first two phases of channeling his Chidori.
- How to do it: Lay your left hand on top of your right, palm to palm. Then, slide your right pinky between your left thumb and index finger.
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Bird (Tori) This seal is based on the Chinese Rooster zodiac sign, representing the Wind Release transformation. By using the seal, characters can start unleashing different wind-based ninjutsu techniques!
- How to do it: Form an arch with your middle finger and pinky while intersecting your ring and index fingers. Finally, touch the tips of your thumbs together.
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Dog (Inu) The Dog (Inu) hand seal is used in numerous nature transformation techniques in Naruto . More specifically, it’s 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 the right fist.
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Boar (I) The Boar seal is based on the Chinese Pig zodiac sign, and in Naruto , it’s used to summon jutsu.
- How to do it: Form a partial fist with both your hands and stick your palms together—but keep your forearms parallel to the ground. This might strain your muscles a little, so go gently when trying it out!
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References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0UakYLTiplc?list=PL90FZUOb9mu8svIOwEY4aPnX2KFgJ3Ot-&t=60
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0UakYLTiplc?list=PL90FZUOb9mu8svIOwEY4aPnX2KFgJ3Ot-&t=84
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0UakYLTiplc?list=PL90FZUOb9mu8svIOwEY4aPnX2KFgJ3Ot-&t=105
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0UakYLTiplc?list=PL90FZUOb9mu8svIOwEY4aPnX2KFgJ3Ot-&t=127
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0UakYLTiplc?list=PL90FZUOb9mu8svIOwEY4aPnX2KFgJ3Ot-&t=153
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0UakYLTiplc?list=PL90FZUOb9mu8svIOwEY4aPnX2KFgJ3Ot-&t=180
- ↑ https://naruto.fandom.com/wiki/Hand_Seal
- ↑ https://youtu.be/dmUfKbzUapU?t=269
- ↑ https://naruto.fandom.com/wiki/Hand_Seal
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