How to Say You’re Welcome in Sign Language is an essential phrase to learn if you’re starting to explore American Sign Language (ASL) or want to communicate respectfully with the Deaf community.
This polite response is often used after someone signs thank you, and knowing how to reply appropriately shows cultural awareness and kindness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to say you’re welcome in sign language with simple steps and tips.
Learning how to say you’re welcome in sign language helps build positive connections and respectful interactions. It’s a small gesture that shows appreciation and understanding of Deaf culture. Once you understand how to say you’re welcome in sign language, you’ll feel more confident in everyday conversations.
Say You’re Welcome:15 Ways with Origins
15 common and alternative ways to say you’re welcome in ASL and other sign languages, with context, dialogues, and origin notes.
1. Standard ASL Gesture for “You’re Welcome”
How to Sign: Bring your flat hand (palm facing up) from near your mouth and move it slightly forward and down in a welcoming arc.
Origin:
This gesture mirrors the motion of offering something—symbolically showing appreciation and humility. It’s considered the neutral standard in ASL.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you”)
👤 User B: (Signs “You’re welcome” using the standard gesture)
Use: Everyday ASL; polite and appropriate for all ages.
2. “THANK-YOU” Repeated Back
How to Sign: Sign “thank you” back to the person using the same motion from chin outward.
Origin:
In ASL, context often defines meaning. Repeating “thank you” is sometimes a quick way of acknowledging thanks in informal situations.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you!”)
👤 User B: (Signs “Thank you” back, smiling)
Use: Casual and friendly, often between friends or peers.
3. Nodding with a Smile
How to Sign: Simply nodding your head with a gentle smile after someone signs “thank you.”
Origin:
In Deaf culture, facial expressions are powerful. A nod and a smile can act as a silent but meaningful “you’re welcome.”
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you”)
👤 User B: (Smiles and nods in acknowledgment)
Use: Very informal or when hands are occupied.
4. “FINE” Sign as a Response
How to Sign: Touch your thumb of an open hand to your chest (palm forward) — the sign for “fine.”
Origin:
Used in response to “thank you” to convey “It’s fine” or “No problem.”
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you!”)
👤 User B: (Signs “Fine” with a relaxed expression)
Use: Friendly, informal response.
5. “NO PROBLEM” in ASL
How to Sign: Sign “no” (index and middle finger tap together) + “problem” (both hands make bent V’s and rotate against each other).
Origin:
This English phrase became a popular borrowed expression used in ASL responses for casual settings.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thanks for helping”)
👤 User B: (Signs “No problem”)
Use: Informal, relaxed conversations.
6. “ANYTIME” in ASL
How to Sign: Tap a single hand on your chin in a circular motion (like clock movement).
Origin:
ASL often uses time-related signs metaphorically. “Anytime” reflects willingness to help again.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you so much”)
👤 User B: (Signs “Anytime”)
Use: Warm and friendly; implies ongoing willingness.
7. “GLAD TO HELP”
How to Sign: Sign “glad” (flat hand circles up from chest), “help” (one hand lifts the other with thumbs up).
Origin:
A more expressive and personal reply that literally says: “I was happy to help.”
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thanks!”)
👤 User B: (Signs “Glad to help”)
Use: Kind and supportive tone, often used by caregivers or teachers.
8. “YOU GOT IT” (Slang/Informal ASL)
How to Sign: Point to the person (“you”) + flick fingers in a casual affirmation.
Origin:
Slang or informal regional usage among younger Deaf communities.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thanks for that!”)
👤 User B: (Signs “You got it!”)
Use: Super casual, best with peers.
9. Mouth “You’re Welcome” without Signing
How to Sign: Just mouth the words clearly, possibly with a nod or light wave.
Origin:
In fluent conversations, mouthing English words while signing can add context, especially when hands are busy.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you”)
👤 User B: (Mouths “You’re welcome” with a nod)
Use: Quiet acknowledgment; informal.
10. Fingerspell “Y-O-U W-E-L-C-O-M-E”
How to Sign: Use the ASL alphabet to spell each letter.
Origin:
Used when clarity is needed (e.g., learning environments or if unsure of the sign).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you”)
👤 User B: (Fingerspells “You’re welcome”)
Use: Educational or beginner-level conversations.
11. “MY PLEASURE” in ASL
How to Sign: Sign “my” (hand on chest) + “pleasure” (circular motion from chest).
Origin:
Adapted from formal English phrases; used in service or polite settings.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thanks for your help”)
👤 User B: (Signs “My pleasure”)
Use: Polite and respectful tone.
12. “WELCOME” as in “WELCOME HOME”
How to Sign: Use both hands to gesture inward as if inviting someone into your space.
Origin:
Be cautious—this sign means “welcome” as in to greet someone—not as a response to “thank you.”
Example:
👤 User A: (Entering room)
👤 User B: (Signs “Welcome!”)
Use: Greeting someone, not replying to thanks. Important distinction!
13. “SURE” in ASL
How to Sign: Point your index finger from your mouth outward, similar to “yes” with added sincerity.
Origin:
“Sure” is often used to show agreement or willingness, and works naturally as a positive response.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thanks again”)
👤 User B: (Signs “Sure” with a smile)
Use: Friendly and helpful tone.
14. Just Smile and Sign “OK”
How to Sign: Make the “O” and “K” handshape (thumb and index touch in circle + three fingers up).
Origin:
Borrowed from English slang but used visually in ASL conversations to convey agreement.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thank you”)
👤 User B: (Smiles and signs “OK”)
Use: Very casual and relaxed.
15. Non-Manual Cue: Raised Eyebrows + Head Tilt
How to Sign: No hands needed—just raise eyebrows, smile slightly, and tilt your head.
Origin:
Non-manual cues (NMCs) are crucial in ASL. This expression softens communication and can replace words entirely.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs “Thanks!”)
👤 User B: (Smiles, raises eyebrows)
Use: Subtle and expressive, often used in quick interactions.
Conclusion:
👏 Now that you’ve learned how to say you’re welcome in sign language, you’re better equipped to respond politely and respectfully in ASL conversations. This simple sign can go a long way in showing appreciation and cultural awareness.
Keep practicing how to say you’re welcome in sign language to strengthen your signing skills and build better communication with the Deaf and such as hard of hearingcommunity. It’s a small sign, but it makes a big impact in everyday interactions.
