Hand Signs in Naruto

Hand Signs are tools which help you mold chakra in order to perform different Jutsu like Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Taijutsu does not require hand signs as it does not use Chakra. Performing hand signs makes it easier for a Ninja to shape their chakra in a way that is required to perform the Jutsu.

Invented by Indra Otsutsuki, this technique is a tool for people who have difficulty molding Chakra. With enough skill or practice, a skilled Ninja can perform Jutsu with minimal amounts of hand signs. For example, the Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu needs 44 hand signs in order to be performed, but Tobirama Senju uses only one. He also creates water out of nothing, which is also an impressive feat.

Although it is extremely rare, it is possible for some Shinobi to do Hand signs with only one hand. The first instance of this was when Naruto and Sasuke were fighting Haku. He casts seals using only one hand, which terrifies Sasuke. However, later on, Sasuke also learns how to do it with just one hand, as does Naruto.

Hand Signs are essential tools to Ninja as it helps with Chakra control. However, there are some practices that do not require hand signs at all. An example of this is the Rasengan. It does not require a hand sign since it is the raw manifestation of Chakra. Chidori is a Jutsu that requires a hand sign when it is introduced. However, later in the series, Sasuke is not seen using hand signs while using the Chidori.

Different Hand Signs

There are 12 different basic Hand Signs in Naruto. These hand signs are based on the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. They are as follows:

Rat (Ne)

A hand sign very commonly used by the Nara clan. They are famous for their Shadow Style Jutsu.

Ox (Ushi)

Tiger (Tora)

A hand sign very commonly used for Fire style, a specialty of the Uchiha. It is also used for Earth Style.

Hare (U)

Dragon (Tatsu)

Snake (Mi)

A hand seal very commonly used for Earth, Lightning and Wood Style.

Horse (Uma)

Ram (Hitsuji)

Monkey (Saru)

Bird (Tori)

A hand seal very commonly used for Wind Style.

Dog (Inu)

A hand seal very commonly used for Water Style.

Boar (I)

Best Hand Sign uses in the Anime

While Hand Signs are just a means to get to the jutsu, it will always be mesmerizing to look at. The hand signs give genuineness to the element of a Shinobi, enhancing the abilities of a shinobi visually.

Kakashi vs Zabuza: Water Dragon Jutsu

A stand-off battle where Kakashi stuns the enemy while he performs their skill at the same pace as them. It shows the viewers how well Kakashi has mastered the Sharingan.

Naruto and Sasuke: Undoing the Infinite Tsukuyomi

The two reunite after the battle of the century, duking it out at each other. Since they both lost an arm in battle, they undo the Infinite Tsukuyomi relying on each other.

Haku vs Sasuke: One Hand Signs

Hake and Sasuke fight each other and Sasuke is surprised to see Hake casting hand signs with only one hand.

Sasuke vs Kakashi: Fire Ball Jutsu

Kakashi is surprised to see Sasuke use such a high-level jutsu at such a young age; this, however, does not leave Kakashi defenseless.

Madara uses the Susanoo to cast Hand Signs

Using Susanoo to cast hand signs combined with the delivery of the line “This is the power of your creation”, makes this one of the best scenes in the entire arc.

FAQs about Hand Signs in Naruto

What are the hand signs in Naruto?

Hand Signs are tools which help you mold chakra in order to perform different Jutsu like Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Performing hand signs makes it easier for a Ninja to shape their chakra in a way that is required to perform the Jutsu.