How to Sign Hello in Sign Language
Learn how to sign 'hello' in ASL: touch a flat hand near your forehead and move it outward in a friendly salute-style wave. Step-by-step guide.
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Quick answer
To sign 'hello' in ASL, hold a flat, open hand near your forehead — like the start of a salute — then move it outward and away from your head in a small, friendly wave. A casual wave of the open hand also works as an informal 'hi.'
How to Sign Hello in Sign Language
“Hello” is one of the friendliest and most intuitive signs in American Sign Language. To make it, hold a flat, open hand near the side of your forehead — fingers together, like the start of a salute — then move the hand outward and away from your head in a small, welcoming arc. Add a smile, and you have a warm ASL greeting.
For casual settings, a simple open-hand wave also reads naturally as “hi.”
Step-by-Step: Signing Hello
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Handshape | Open your dominant hand flat, fingers together. |
| 2. Starting position | Bring the hand near the side of your forehead. |
| 3. Salute | Position it as if starting a casual salute. |
| 4. Movement | Move the hand outward and away. |
| 5. Expression | Smile and make eye contact. |
The motion is small and friendly — a relaxed salute, not a stiff military one.
Hello vs. Hi: Formal and Casual
ASL has both a standard “hello” and a relaxed “hi.”
| Greeting | How It’s Made | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Flat hand from forehead, salute-style, moving out | Standard, friendly |
| Hi | A simple open-hand wave | Casual, informal |
Both are correct; the salute-style version is the textbook “hello,” while a wave suits quick, casual hellos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making it too stiff. Keep the salute relaxed and warm.
- Skipping the smile. A friendly face is part of the greeting.
- Starting too far from the forehead. Begin near the side of your head.
- Using a fist. The hand stays flat and open.
Why Hello Is a Great First Sign
“Hello” is among the best signs to learn first.
| Benefit | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Intuitive | Resembles a familiar salute-wave |
| Versatile | Works in nearly any situation |
| Welcoming | Opens conversations warmly |
| Easy | Simple flat-hand shape |
These qualities make “hello” an instant, confidence-building entry into ASL.
Related Greeting Signs to Learn Next
Pair “hello” with the greetings and openers people use most:
- HI — a casual open-hand wave.
- HOW ARE YOU — curved hands rolling forward, then a point at the person.
- NAME — two fingers of each hand tapping together for introductions.
- NICE TO MEET YOU — flat hands sliding past each other, then a point.
Learning “hello” gives you a warm, universal way to start any conversation in ASL — a perfect, high-value first sign for every new learner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'hello' in ASL?
Place a flat, open hand near the side of your forehead, fingers together, as if beginning a salute. Then move the hand outward and away from your head in a small arc. Add a smile. This salute-style motion is the ASL sign for 'hello.'
Is 'hello' the same as just waving in ASL?
They overlap. The formal 'hello' starts at the forehead like a salute and moves outward, while a casual 'hi' is simply a friendly open-hand wave. Both are understood as greetings, with the salute version being the more standard 'hello.'
Which hand do I use to sign 'hello'?
Use your dominant hand. Hold it flat with fingers together near your forehead and move it outward. Whether you are right- or left-handed, signing with your dominant hand keeps your greeting natural and clear.
Do I need a facial expression when signing 'hello'?
A friendly smile makes 'hello' warm and natural. Facial expression is part of ASL, so greeting someone with a smile and eye contact makes the sign feel genuine rather than mechanical.
Is 'hello' a good first sign to learn?
Yes. 'Hello' is one of the most useful and intuitive first signs because it resembles a familiar salute-wave, works in almost any situation, and instantly opens a friendly interaction in ASL.