How to Say Thank You in Sign Language
Learn how to say 'thank you' in ASL: touch a flat hand to your chin or lips and move it forward toward the person. Step-by-step guide with tips.
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Quick answer
To say 'thank you' in ASL, touch the fingertips of a flat, open hand to your chin or lips, then move the hand forward and slightly down toward the person you are thanking. The gesture resembles blowing a gentle kiss of gratitude outward.
How to Say Thank You in Sign Language
“Thank you” is one of the most useful and gracious signs in American Sign Language. To make it, hold a flat, open hand with fingers together and touch your fingertips to your chin or lips, then move the hand forward and slightly down toward the person you are thanking, keeping the palm facing up. The gesture looks a little like sending a gentle kiss of gratitude outward.
It is a warm, universal courtesy sign — one of the first phrases most learners want to know.
Step-by-Step: Signing Thank You
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Handshape | Open your dominant hand flat, fingers together. |
| 2. Starting position | Touch your fingertips to your chin or lips. |
| 3. Movement | Move the hand forward and slightly down. |
| 4. Direction | Aim the motion toward the person you thank. |
| 5. Expression | Smile warmly and nod slightly. |
The motion is smooth and brief — an offering gesture, not a big push.
One Sign, Two Meanings: Thank You and You’re Welcome
A surprise for many learners is that “thank you” and “you’re welcome” share the same sign in everyday ASL.
| Phrase | How It’s Signed | What Distinguishes It |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Flat hand from chin moving outward | You initiate the gratitude |
| You’re welcome | Same flat hand from chin outward | You respond, often with a nod |
Direction in the conversation and facial expression tell the two apart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the expression. A sincere smile is part of the sign’s meaning.
- Starting too far from the face. Begin with fingertips at the chin or lips.
- Pushing too hard. Keep the outward motion gentle and natural.
- Using a fist or curled hand. The hand should be flat and open.
Adding Warmth and Formality
You can shade “thank you” to match the moment.
| Style | How to Adjust | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | Quick single-hand motion | Everyday thanks |
| Heartfelt | Slower motion, warmer face | Genuine gratitude |
| Formal | A slight bow or fuller motion | Speeches, deep thanks |
The handshape stays the same; pacing and expression carry the emotion.
Related Polite Signs to Learn Next
Pair “thank you” with the courtesy signs that surround it in conversation:
- YOU’RE WELCOME — the same flat hand from the chin, used as a reply.
- PLEASE — flat hand circling on the chest.
- SORRY — a fist circling over the chest.
- HELLO — a salute-style wave near the forehead.
“Thank you” is among the most valuable signs you can learn first — gracious, widely understood, and useful in nearly every interaction, making it a perfect early addition to your ASL vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'thank you' in ASL?
Hold a flat, open hand with fingers together and touch your fingertips to your chin or lips. Then move your hand forward and slightly downward toward the person you are thanking, keeping the palm facing up. The motion sends your gratitude outward, like a gentle kiss of thanks.
Does 'thank you' start at the chin or the lips?
Either is acceptable. Many signers start with the fingertips at the chin, while others touch the lips. Both are correct; what matters is that the flat hand moves outward toward the person you are thanking.
Is 'thank you' the same sign as 'you're welcome'?
Yes — in everyday ASL the same flat-hand-from-the-chin motion is used both to thank someone and to reply 'you're welcome.' The direction of the conversation and facial expression make clear who is thanking and who is responding.
Do I use one hand or two for 'thank you'?
'Thank you' is normally signed with one flat hand. Some people add a second hand or a slight bow to express deeper or more formal gratitude, but the standard everyday sign uses a single hand from the chin.
What facial expression goes with 'thank you'?
A warm, sincere smile and a slight nod accompany 'thank you' in ASL. Facial expression is part of the grammar, so a genuine expression makes your thanks read as heartfelt rather than mechanical.