Body action vocabulary consists of very basic and useful verbs for daily communication. This lesson helps you learn verbs describing body movements and gestures.
Movement Actions
Basic Movement
- Walk: To move on foot normally
- Run: To move quickly
- Jog: To run slowly
- Sprint: To run very fast
- Jump: To leap up
- Hop: To jump on one foot
- Skip: To move with light steps
- Crawl: To move on hands and knees
- Climb: To go up
Example: I walk to work every morning.
Changing Position
- Sit: To rest on a seat
- Stand: To be upright
- Lie down: To rest horizontally
- Kneel: To rest on knees
- Crouch: To bend down
- Lean: To rest against something
Example: Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Hand Actions
Holding
- Hold: To grasp
- Grab: To seize quickly
- Catch: To capture
- Drop: To let fall
- Throw: To send through the air
Pushing and Pulling
- Push: To move away
- Pull: To move toward
- Lift: To raise up
- Carry: To transport
- Drag: To pull along the ground
Example: Push the door to open it.
Communication Gestures
- Wave: To move hand as greeting
- Nod: To move head up and down
- Shake (head): To move head side to side
- Shake (hands): To greet by clasping hands
- Clap: To applaud
- Point: To indicate direction
- Hug: To embrace
Example: She waved goodbye as the train left.
Leg Actions
- Kick: To strike with foot
- Stomp: To step heavily
- Step: To move foot
- Trip: To stumble
- Stumble: To walk unsteadily
Other Body Actions
Exercise Movements
- Bend: To curve body
- Stretch: To extend limbs
- Twist: To rotate
- Turn: To face another direction
- Spin: To rotate quickly
Facial Expressions
- Smile: To show happiness
- Frown: To show displeasure
- Blink: To close and open eyes quickly
- Wink: To close one eye briefly
- Yawn: To open mouth when tired
Common Phrasal Verbs
- Sit down: Take a seat
- Stand up: Rise to feet
- Lie down: Recline
- Wake up: Stop sleeping
- Get up: Rise from bed
- Turn around: Face the other direction
Example: Wake up! It’s time to go to school.
Common Commands
- Stand up straight!
- Sit down, please.
- Don’t run in the hallway.
- Raise your hand if you know the answer.
Practice these verbs by acting out the movements as you learn!