How to Sign You're Welcome in Sign Language
Learn how to say 'you're welcome' in ASL. It shares the same sign as 'thank you' — a flat hand moving outward from the chin toward the person.
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Quick answer
In ASL, 'you're welcome' uses the same handshape and motion as 'thank you' — a flat hand starting at the chin and moving forward and down toward the other person. Context, a nod, and facial expression signal that you mean 'you're welcome' rather than 'thank you.'
How to Sign You’re Welcome in Sign Language
In American Sign Language, “you’re welcome” most commonly uses the same sign as “thank you.” Place the fingertips of a flat, open hand at or near your chin or lips, then move the hand forward and slightly down toward the person you are responding to. A warm facial expression and a small nod let the viewer know you are graciously replying to their thanks rather than offering thanks yourself.
This shared sign surprises many learners, but it mirrors how natural conversation flows: the gesture’s direction and your expression carry the meaning.
Step-by-Step: Signing You’re Welcome
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Handshape | Open your dominant hand flat, fingers together. |
| 2. Starting position | Touch your fingertips near your chin or lips. |
| 3. Movement | Move the hand forward and down toward the other person. |
| 4. Expression | Smile warmly and nod slightly. |
| 5. Context | Use it as a reply right after someone signs THANK YOU. |
The motion is gentle and outward — an offering gesture toward the person.
”You’re Welcome” vs. “Welcome” (Greeting)
English uses “welcome” two ways, and ASL distinguishes them.
| Phrase | How It’s Signed | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| You’re welcome | Flat hand from chin moving outward | Response to thanks |
| Welcome (come in) | Open hand sweeping inward toward your body | Inviting/greeting someone |
So replying to “thank you” uses an outward motion, while inviting someone in uses an inward, gathering motion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the expression. A flat face can make the sign ambiguous; smile and nod.
- Confusing it with the greeting WELCOME. That one sweeps inward, not outward.
- Overdoing the motion. It is a smooth, brief gesture, not an exaggerated push.
- Starting too far from the chin. Begin the sign near your lips for clarity.
How the Conversation Flows
Because “thank you” and “you’re welcome” share a sign, a polite exchange looks symmetrical:
| Speaker | Signs | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Person A | Flat hand from chin outward | Thank you |
| Person B | Flat hand from chin outward + nod | You’re welcome |
The directionality — who initiates and who responds — plus facial expression keeps the exchange clear to both signers.
Related Polite Signs to Learn Next
Pair “you’re welcome” with the everyday courtesy signs that surround it:
- THANK YOU — flat hand from the chin moving outward (the partner sign).
- PLEASE — flat hand circling on your chest.
- SORRY — fist circling over the chest.
- NO PROBLEM — often shown casually with a relaxed wave or shrug.
Learning “you’re welcome” alongside “thank you” gives you a complete, gracious exchange — one of the most useful conversational pairs for any new signer to master early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign 'you're welcome' in ASL?
Place the fingertips of a flat, open hand near your chin or lips, then move the hand forward and slightly down toward the person you are responding to. It is the same motion as 'thank you'; context and a friendly expression make it read as 'you're welcome.'
Is 'you're welcome' really the same sign as 'thank you'?
Yes, in everyday ASL the response to 'thank you' is most often the same flat-hand-from-the-chin sign, used conversationally to mean 'you're welcome.' The direction of the exchange and facial expression clarify who is thanking and who is responding.
Is 'welcome' (as in greeting) the same as 'you're welcome'?
Not exactly. The greeting WELCOME (inviting someone in) uses an open hand sweeping in toward your body, while 'you're welcome' as a reply to thanks uses the thank-you sign moving outward. They share the English word but differ in ASL.
Do I need a facial expression when signing 'you're welcome'?
Yes. Facial expression is part of ASL grammar. A warm, friendly face and a slight nod help signal that you are graciously responding to thanks rather than thanking someone yourself.
Can I just nod instead of signing 'you're welcome'?
A nod and smile are perfectly acceptable casual responses, just as they are in spoken English. Adding the thank-you-style sign makes the response clearer and more polite, especially in formal or new conversations.