American Sign Language (ASL) Common Greeting Phrases

Greeting someone in any language is the first step toward a friendly interaction. In American Sign Language (ASL) the same principle applies, but the visualspatial nature of the language means that a few basic handshapes, facial expressions and body movements convey a great deal of meaning. This page presents the most frequentlyused ASL greetings, explains how to sign them, and offers tips for using them naturally.

Why Greetings Matter in ASL

• Establishes rapport: A warm greeting signals respect and interest.
• Sets the tone: The speed, facial expression, and hand orientation can make a greeting formal, casual, or playful.
• Provides cultural clues: Certain signs carry cultural nuance; for instance, Whats up? is often used among peers.

Basic Greeting Vocabulary

Below are the core signs that appear in most ASL greeting conversations. Each entry includes a brief textual description, a link to a short video demonstration, and a tip for smooth usage.

1. Hello

How to sign: Extend your dominant hand, palm facing outward, and move it away from your forehead in a small salutelike motion.

Tip: Pair with a friendly facial expression (eyes bright, slight smile) to make the greeting feel genuine.

2. Good Morning / Good Evening / Good Night

These signs all share the same structure: GOOD + TIME OF DAY.
GOOD: Place your dominant hand palmdown on your chin and pull forward.
MORNING: Raise your nondominant hand, palm down, parallel to the ground; sweep it upward as if the sun rises.
EVENING: Same handshape, sweep downward to suggest the sun setting.
NIGHT: Form a Y handshape with the dominant hand and brush across the cheek, mimicking a blanket.

Tip: Choose the appropriate timeofday sign based on the context; Good night is typically used when parting, not when arriving.

3. How are you?

Sign HOW by placing the fingertips of both hands together, then moving them forward. Follow with YOU (point to the person). The entire phrase is usually signed with a raised eyebrow to indicate a genuine question.

Tip: In informal settings, many signers use the abbreviated HOW YOU? or simply YO? with a raised brow.

4. Nice to meet you

Combine NICE (make a 5 hand and slide the fingertips together, then outward) with MEET (place both fists together, then open them slightly) and finish with YOU. A warm smile enhances the sentiment.

Watch Nice to meet you

Tip: Use this phrase when you are introduced to someone for the first time, especially in professional or academic contexts.

5. Whats up? / Whats new?

These casual greetings use a light WHAT sign (both hands flat, palms up, shaking sidetoside) followed by UP (dominant hand palmup, moving upward) or NEW (both hands in 5 shape, tapping each other). The eyebrows should be slightly raised.

Tip: Use these with peers, classmates, or coworkers you know well; they convey a relaxed tone.

Putting Greetings into Conversation

Below is a short example dialogue that demonstrates how the signs flow together. Notice the facial expressions, eye contact, and pauses that make the exchange feel natural.

A (signer 1): HELLO! GOOD MORNING! HOW YOU?B (signer 2): GOOD MORNING! IM FINE, THANK YOU. AND YOU?A: NICE TO MEET YOU, IM ALEX.B: NICE TO MEET YOU, ALEX. WHATS UP?A: NOT MUCH, JUST WORKING ON A PROJECT.B: GOOD LUCK!    

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing facial expression: In ASL, facial grammar conveys question vs. statement. Forgetting the raised eyebrows on How are you? can make the sign sound like a statement.
• Signing too quickly: Give each sign a moment to be seen, especially when greeting someone you havent met before.
• Using English word order: ASL follows its own syntax; keep signs grouped (e.g., HELLO GOOD MORNING, not GOOD MORNING HELLO).
• Overgesturing: Large, exaggerated movements may appear theatrical; most greetings are compact and clear.

Practice Resources

To become comfortable with these greetings, try the following:

• Record yourself signing each phrase and compare it to native signer videos.
• Practice with a mirror to monitor facial expressions.
• Join an online ASL community (e.g., Deaf.com) and exchange greetings with real users.
• Use languagelearning apps such as The ASL App that offer spacedrepetition drills.

Conclusion

Mastering a handful of greeting signs opens the door to countless conversations in ASL. By paying attention to handshape, movement, and especially facial expression, you can convey warmth, respect, and confidence. Practice these basics daily, combine them with proper eye contact, and soon greeting a stranger in ASL will feel as natural as saying Hello in spoken English.