How to Sign Please in Sign Language
Learn how to sign 'please' in ASL. Place a flat open hand on your chest, palm in, and rub it in a clockwise circular motion. Step-by-step guide and tips.
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Quick answer
To sign 'please' in ASL, place your flat open hand on the center of your chest with the palm facing in, then rub it in a circular motion (typically clockwise from your view). The circular rub over the heart conveys politeness and sincerity.
How to Sign Please in Sign Language
“Please” is a cornerstone of polite communication, and its American Sign Language (ASL) sign is simple and warm. To make it, place your flat open hand flat against the center of your chest, palm facing inward, and rub it in a circular motion. The circle is usually clockwise from your own point of view. The motion over the heart naturally communicates sincerity and courtesy.
Because it lives at the chest — close to the heart — “please” feels heartfelt, which is exactly the tone the sign is meant to convey.
Step-by-Step: Signing Please
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Handshape | Flatten your dominant hand, fingers together (a flat “B” or open palm). |
| 2. Palm orientation | Turn the palm to face your body. |
| 3. Location | Place the palm flat on the center of your chest. |
| 4. Movement | Rub the hand in a smooth circle, typically clockwise from your view. |
| 5. Repetition | Two or three small circles is enough; keep it gentle and even. |
The circular rub should be relaxed, not forceful. A natural, friendly facial expression reinforces the polite intent.
Please vs. Sorry: Don’t Mix Them Up
These two signs are frequently confused because both circle on the chest. The difference comes down to the handshape.
| Sign | Handshape | Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Please | Flat open palm against the chest | Circular rub |
| Sorry | Closed fist (A handshape) on the chest | Circular rub |
| Enjoy / Like | Varies; not on the chest | Different location |
Remember: open hand = please, closed fist = sorry. Keeping the fingers flat and together signals “please” clearly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a fist instead of a flat hand. A closed fist turns the sign into “sorry.” Keep the hand open and flat.
- Rubbing too high or too low. Center the palm on the chest, not on the stomach or near the shoulder.
- Patting instead of circling. The motion is a continuous circular rub, not a tap.
- Forgetting facial expression. A pleading or polite face matches the word and aids comprehension in ASL.
Please Around the World
Politeness signs differ across the world’s sign languages, which are independent of one another and of spoken English.
| Sign Language | Approach |
|---|---|
| American (ASL) | Flat hand circling on the chest |
| British (BSL) | Uses its own gesture, often near the chin or mouth |
| Australian (Auslan) | Related to BSL; distinct from ASL |
| Baby Sign (ASL-based) | Same chest circle, often guided by a caregiver |
Related Signs to Learn Next
“Please” pairs naturally with these everyday courtesy signs:
- THANK YOU — flat hand from the chin, moving outward.
- SORRY — a fist circling on the chest.
- MORE — fingertips of both flattened-O hands tapping together.
- HELP — a thumbs-up fist resting on the open flat palm, lifted together.
- WANT — both hands, palms up and slightly curled, pulling toward the body.
Because it is gentle, distinctive, and useful in nearly every interaction, “please” is one of the most valuable early signs to master — especially for families using baby sign language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'please' in ASL?
Flatten your dominant hand with fingers together, place the palm flat against the center of your chest, and rub it in a circular motion. The circle is usually clockwise from your perspective. This rubbing motion over the heart is the standard ASL sign for 'please.'
Which direction do you circle the hand for 'please'?
Most signers rub the hand in a clockwise circle from their own point of view (which appears counterclockwise to the viewer). The exact direction is not critical to being understood — what matters is the flat palm on the chest and the smooth circular motion.
What is the difference between 'please' and 'sorry' in sign language?
Both signs use a circular motion on the chest, which makes them easy to confuse. 'Please' uses a flat open hand with the palm against the chest, while 'sorry' uses a closed fist (A handshape) circling on the chest. The handshape is the key difference.
Do you sign 'please' before or after the request?
In ASL you can sign 'please' before or after your request, similar to English word order flexibility. Many signers place it at the end for emphasis, but placing it at the beginning is also natural and correct.
How do you teach babies to sign 'please'?
For baby sign language, gently guide the child's open hand in a circle on their chest while saying 'please' aloud. Consistency and pairing the sign with the spoken word during real requests, like asking for a snack, helps babies learn the connection quickly.