How to say “Hello” in ASL

HELLOOne signB handshape

  1. HELLO: Hold a flat hand, fingers together, with the side of the index finger near your forehead, then move it outward and away, like a small salute.

HELLO is one of the first signs people learn. The flat hand is close to the B handshape, with the thumb resting alongside instead of across the palm.

A written description can't show movement and expression the way a signer can, and signs vary by region. Learn signs from Deaf teachers and signers; this site checks fingerspelling, the handshapes of the alphabet.

The handshapes in it

Now sign it yourself

Fingerspell HELLO letter by letter. Turn on your camera and it checks your handshape as you go. The video stays on your device.

  1. ASL H1. H
  2. ASL E2. E
  3. ASL L3. L
  4. ASL L4. L
  5. ASL O5. O

Remember it, don't just copy it

Fingerspelling is how ASL handles names and words without their own sign. ASL a Day brings it back tomorrow to sign from memory, then again just before you'd forget. Five minutes a day.

Practice Everyday words daily

Word practice is free: sign in with Google to start.

Words to fingerspell

More phrases