How To Sign You're Welcome in Sign Language

The response to "thank you" is often signed with what English speakers would recognize as "you're welcome." Although “you’re welcome” doesn’t have a direct translation in ASL, there’s still a way to respond to a “thank you.” Here’s how!

Signing "You're Welcome"

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  1. Hand Position: Use your dominant hand and form an open hand or an "open B" handshape, which means the hand is open and the fingers are spread apart.
  2. Starting Placement: Begin with your hand close to your chest, with your thumb touching the center of your chest.
  3. Movement: Move your hand back and forward, away from your chest. Your thumb should be the only part of your hand touching your chest.
  4. Facial Expression: Typically, a friendly, neutral, or pleasant expression accompanies this sign, similar to when you say "you're welcome" in English.

Tips and Tricks

Some regions or individuals might have variations or other signs they use for this concept, but the described motion is widely recognized and understood in most ASL communities.

Learn how to sign: "Thank You"

When signing it yourself isn't enough

Learning to sign is a great start. For the moments that have to be right (a medical appointment, a parent-teacher meeting, a legal conversation) Ava connects you with a credentialed ASL interpreter over video in the Ava app, on demand or scheduled ahead. Available 24/7, with live captions included.

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