How to Sign How Are You in Sign Language
Learn how to sign 'how are you' in ASL: combine HOW (curved hands rolling forward) with YOU (point at the person), plus a raised-eyebrow question face.
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Quick answer
To sign 'how are you' in ASL, sign HOW by placing your bent hands knuckle-to-knuckle and rolling them forward and up, then point at the person for YOU. Raise your eyebrows to show it is a question. The phrase is HOW + YOU with a questioning facial expression.
How to Sign How Are You in Sign Language
“How are you” is a friendly, everyday greeting in American Sign Language built from two signs plus a question expression. First sign HOW by curving both hands with the knuckles touching back-to-back, then rolling them forward and upward until the palms turn up. Then point at the person to sign YOU. Throughout, raise your eyebrows to mark the phrase as a question.
ASL drops the English word “are” entirely — the phrase becomes HOW + YOU, with your face supplying the question.
Step-by-Step: Signing How Are You
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. HOW – start | Bend both hands, knuckles touching back-to-back. |
| 2. HOW – motion | Roll the hands forward and up until palms face up. |
| 3. YOU | Point your index finger at the person. |
| 4. Expression | Raise your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly. |
| 5. Flow | Move smoothly from HOW into YOU. |
The raised-eyebrow expression is essential — without it, the phrase reads as a statement.
Why Facial Expression Matters
In ASL, the face is grammar, not just emotion. For questions like “how are you,” your expression does work that English handles with word order and tone.
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Raised eyebrows | Marks the phrase as a question |
| Head tilt | Reinforces that you expect an answer |
| Eye contact | Directs the question to the person |
Skipping the expression is the most common reason a beginner’s question looks flat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing the word “are.” ASL omits it; just sign HOW + YOU.
- Flat face. Without raised eyebrows the phrase is not a clear question.
- Rushing HOW. Let the hands roll fully from knuckle-to-knuckle to palms-up.
- Forgetting to point. YOU is a clear point toward the person.
How to Respond
A natural reply uses FINE and a return question.
| Response | How to Sign It |
|---|---|
| Fine | Thumb of an open hand taps the chest forward once |
| Good | Flat hand from the chin moves down into the other palm |
| And you? | Point back at the person with raised eyebrows |
A simple FINE with a nod, then pointing back, keeps the conversation flowing.
Related Greeting Signs to Learn Next
Pair “how are you” with the greetings that surround it:
- HELLO — a salute-style wave near the forehead.
- YOU — a simple point toward the person.
- FINE — thumb of an open hand tapping the chest.
- NAME — two fingers of each hand tapping together (for introductions).
Learning “how are you” gives you a warm, complete opener for conversations in ASL — one of the most practical greeting phrases for any new signer to master early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'how are you' in ASL?
First sign HOW: curve both hands with the knuckles touching back-to-back, then roll them forward and upward until the palms turn up. Then point at the person to sign YOU. Raise your eyebrows throughout to mark it as a question. The combination HOW + YOU means 'how are you.'
Why do I raise my eyebrows for 'how are you'?
In ASL, raised eyebrows signal certain question types and are part of the grammar. For 'how are you,' lifting your eyebrows and tilting your head slightly turns the signs into a genuine question rather than a statement.
Do I need to sign the word 'are' in ASL?
No. ASL does not use the English linking verb 'are.' The phrase is condensed to HOW + YOU, with facial expression carrying the question. ASL grammar drops small connecting words that English requires.
How do I sign the response 'I am fine'?
Sign FINE by placing the thumb of an open '5' hand on your chest and tapping it forward once. You can add ME or point to yourself first. A simple FINE with a nod is a natural reply to 'how are you.'
Is 'how are you' a formal or casual greeting in ASL?
It works in both settings. HOW + YOU with a friendly raised-eyebrow face is a warm, everyday greeting, and it is equally appropriate in casual chats and more formal introductions.