How to Say No in Sign Language is an essential phrase for beginners learning ASL (American Sign Language). The sign is made by bringing your index and middle fingers together with your thumb, resembling a closing motion, similar to a “talking” handshape.
This simple gesture allows you to communicate refusal, disagreement, or a polite “no” without speaking. Learning it helps you interact respectfully and naturally with the Deaf community.
Say No in Sign Language
15 Ways to Say No in Sign Language (ASL)
| # | ASL Expression | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No (index & middle fingers tap thumb) | Standard way to say no |
| 2 | Head shake + No sign | Stronger refusal |
| 3 | No, thank you (No + Thank you) | Polite refusal |
| 4 | Absolutely not (No + firm facial expression) | Strong disagreement |
| 5 | Not now (No + Now) | Refusal for the moment |
| 6 | No way (No + exaggerated head shake) | Strong, casual refusal |
| 7 | Don’t want (hands flicking away) | Expresses dislike or refusal |
| 8 | Not possible (No + Possible with negative face) | Refusal of possibility |
| 9 | Never (dominant hand sweeps away from chin) | Strong, final refusal |
| 10 | No problem (No + Problem with slight smile) | Gentle refusal |
| 11 | Don’t understand (No + Understand with head shake) | Refusing due to confusion |
| 12 | Can’t (dominant index finger taps nondominant finger) | Saying no to ability |
| 13 | Won’t (hand gestures away from mouth) | Refusal of willingness |
| 14 | Stop (dominant hand hits palm) | Strong refusal or command |
| 15 | No more (flat hand pushes away) | Refusal to continue |
This guide will walk you through 15 practical ways to say no in sign language, with real-life dialogue examples and context behind each sign.
✋ Before We Begin:
These examples are based on American Sign Language (ASL). Other signed languages (like BSL, Auslan, or LSF) may differ in gesture, structure, and grammar.
1. NO (Standard ASL Sign)
How:
Touch the tips of your index and middle finger to your thumb, like a snapping motion, near your chin.
Origin:
This is the most direct ASL sign for “no,” and it functions like the spoken word.
Example:
👤 User A: Want some pizza?
👤 User B: (Signs NO)
Use: Clear and neutral; appropriate for any situation.
2. SHAKE HEAD (with eye contact)
How:
Just shake your head “no”—this can sometimes replace a formal sign.
Example:
👤 User A: Did you finish your homework?
👤 User B: (Shakes head no with eye contact)
Use: Casual, effective in everyday conversation.
Origin: This mirrors gestures across cultures—universally understood.
3. NO THANK YOU
How:
Sign “NO” followed by “THANK YOU” (hand from chin outward).
Example:
👤 User A: Want another drink?
👤 User B: (Signs NO, then THANK YOU)
Use: Polite and respectful; good in social or professional settings.
4. NOT INTERESTED
How:
Flick your fingers away from your chest and nose as if “pushing the idea away.”
Example:
👤 User A: Wanna watch that horror movie?
👤 User B: (Signs NOT INTERESTED)
Use: Expresses clear disinterest without being rude.
5. CAN’T
How:
Tap your dominant index finger down against your non-dominant index finger.
Example:
👤 User A: Can you come to the party?
👤 User B: (Signs CAN’T)
Use: Denial of ability, not permission.
6. DON’T WANT
How:
Push both open hands away from your chest with a slight shake.
Example:
👤 User A: Want broccoli?
👤 User B: (Signs DON’T WANT with slight face scrunch)
Use: Strong but casual refusal.
7. NOPE (Facial expression + informal “no”)
How:
Exaggerated head shake with a “nope” face—eyebrows down, lips tight.
Example:
👤 User A: You gonna call your ex?
👤 User B: (Signs NOPE dramatically)
Use: Playful or strong casual refusal; often humorous.
8. NEGATIVE SHAKE + “SORRY”
How:
Shake your head while signing “SORRY” in a circular motion on your chest.
Example:
👤 User A: Can you help today?
👤 User B: (Signs SORRY with headshake)
Use: Polite decline with empathy.
9. I DISAGREE
How:
Sign “I” + “DISAGREE” (index fingers touch, then separate).
Example:
👤 User A: I think pineapple on pizza is the best.
👤 User B: (Signs I DISAGREE)
Use: Respectful contradiction rather than a flat “no.”
10. NEVER
How:
Make a sweeping downward motion in a 7-shape with your flat hand.
Example:
👤 User A: Have you cheated on a test?
👤 User B: (Signs NEVER)
Use: Strong and definitive.
Origin: Derived from the concept of a timeline being swept away.
11. DON’T LIKE
How:
Sign “LIKE” by pulling thumb and middle finger away from chest, then flip hand downward.
Example:
👤 User A: Do you like jazz music?
👤 User B: (Signs DON’T LIKE)
Use: Emotional or opinion-based rejection.
12. I REFUSE
How:
Make a fist and throw your thumb over your shoulder (like tossing something away).
Example:
👤 User A: Are you going to apologize?
👤 User B: (Signs I REFUSE with stern expression)
Use: Very strong “no”; stands your ground.
13. NO WAY
How:
Shake your head and wave your open hand side-to-side.
Example:
👤 User A: Want to bungee jump off a cliff?
👤 User B: (Signs NO WAY with wide eyes)
Use: Informal, surprised or humorous refusal.
14. NOT NOW
How:
Sign “NOT” (thumb from under chin outward) and then “NOW” (palms facing upward, lowering together slightly).
Example:
👤 User A: Can we talk?
👤 User B: (Signs NOT NOW, then gestures “later”)
Use: Temporary rejection.
15. NO (Mouth Morpheme Only)
How:
Sometimes, just mouthing “no” with a serious face is enough in informal ASL conversations.
Example:
👤 User A: Gestures to food Want some?
👤 User B: (Mouths “no” and shakes head slightly)
Use: Casual settings or when hands are occupied.
Conclusion:
How to Say No in Sign Language is easy to learn and very useful in daily communication. The basic ASL sign is clear and respectful, but you can also use variations and expressions to show different tones such as polite, firm, or casual refusal. By mastering these signs, you can communicate more naturally and effectively within the Deaf community.
