How to Say Hello in Sign Language 👋 is one of the first and most useful signs you can learn when starting with American Sign Language (ASL). Greetings are an important part of any language, and knowing how to say hello in sign language helps you connect with members of the Deaf and partially deaf community in a friendly and respectful way.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to say hello in sign language step-by-step so you can greet others with confidence.
Learning how to say hello in sign language will make your interactions warmer and more welcoming.
It’s a simple gesture that can break barriers and open conversations. By mastering how to say hello in sign language, you’ll show genuine respect and appreciation for Deaf culture.
Say Hello in Sign Language
Ready to wave your hand and say hi with your fingers? Let’s explore 15 ways to say hello in sign language, with real-life examples and cultural context.
1. “Hello” in American Sign Language (ASL)
How: Touch your hand to your forehead like a salute, then move it outward.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Hello”)
👤 User B: (Signs back and smiles) Hello! Nice to see you again.
Origin:
This salute-like gesture is the standard ASL sign for “hello” and widely taught in the U.S. and Canada.
2. “Hi” in ASL (Casual Version)
How: A simple wave — very informal.
Example:
👤 User A: (Waves)
👤 User B: (Waves back) Hey!
Context:
Used among close friends or in relaxed environments. Just like waving in spoken English.
3. British Sign Language (BSL) Hello
How: Place your hand near the side of your forehead and move outward in a small arc.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs hello in BSL)
👤 User B: (Responds with same gesture) Hello! How are you?
Origin:
Used across the UK. Similar to ASL but slightly different in hand positioning.
4. International Sign (IS) Hello
How: A general wave or salute-like gesture.
Example:
👤 User A: (Waves with a smile)
👤 User B: (Smiles back and waves) Hello!
Context:
Used when people from different signing countries meet (like travelers or international events).
5. Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
How: Flat hand near temple, moves outward — very similar to BSL.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs hello in Auslan)
👤 User B: (Signs back) Hey there!
Note:
Auslan shares roots with BSL, so the greetings are almost identical.
6. “Good Morning” in ASL
How: Sign “Good” (flat hand from chin to other hand), then “Morning” (hand rises from crook of elbow).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Good morning”)
👤 User B: (Nods and smiles) Morning!
Context:
Formal morning greeting in Deaf communities.
7. “Peace” as a Hello Gesture
How: Flash the peace sign (two fingers in a “V”).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs peace with a head nod)
👤 User B: (Returns peace sign) What’s up?
Origin:
Popularized during the 1960s; used casually by Deaf and hearing people alike.
8. “What’s up?” in ASL
How: Middle fingers of both hands touch chest and flick upward.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “What’s up?”)
👤 User B: (Signs back) Not much, you?
Use:
Informal, very common among younger Deaf people.
9. “Hey” in Sign Slang
How: Extend hand and give a short wave with raised eyebrows.
Example:
👤 User A: (Waves coolly with a smile)
👤 User B: (Nods) Yo!
Context:
Slang or urban greeting used informally.
10. Japanese Sign Language (JSL) Hello
How: Bow slightly while bringing both hands up near the face.
Example:
👤 User A: (Bows and signs hello)
👤 User B: (Returns bow) Hello, friend!
Origin:
Bowing is part of Japanese culture, even in sign.
11. French Sign Language (LSF) Bonjour
How: Sign for “good” (bon) then a gesture for “day” (jour).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Bonjour”)
👤 User B: (Smiles and signs back) Bonjour!
Note:
Used throughout French-speaking Deaf communities.
12. Korean Sign Language (KSL) Hello
How: Similar to a formal bow with one hand near the forehead.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs respectfully)
👤 User B: (Returns the sign) Hello!
Origin:
Sign gestures in Korea reflect deep respect, like bowing.
13. “Name?” as a Greeting in ASL
How: Sign “Your name what?” — a common opener.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: “Your name what?”)
👤 User B: (Signs: “My name is Alex”)
Context:
Asking someone’s name is a natural greeting opener in Deaf culture.
14. South African Sign Language Hello
How: Salute-like hand motion similar to ASL but more open.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs hello)
👤 User B: (Signs back) Good to see you!
Note:
Each country has its own signed languages — even with shared English influence.
15. Two-Hand Wave (Excited Hello)
How: Wave both hands excitedly above shoulders.
Example:
👤 User A: (Waves with both hands)
👤 User B: (Laughs and waves back) Long time no see!
Use:
Super informal, used when you’re really excited to see someone.
Conclusion:
👋 Now that you’ve learned how to say hello in sign language, you can greet others with confidence, warmth, and respect.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with friends, this simple sign can make a big difference in building connections.
Keep practicing how to say hello in sign language so it becomes a natural part of your interactions. A friendly greeting in sign language not only shows kindness but also bridges communication between hearing and Deaf communities
