Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Hi My Name Is"

To sign 'Hi, my name is,' you will combine three distinct signs: HI, MY, and NAME. First, sign 'Hi' by bringing your flat dominant hand to your forehead and moving it outward in a small, friendly salute. Next, sign 'My' by placing your flat dominant hand flat against the center of your chest. Finally, sign 'Name' by forming both hands into 'H' or 'U' shapes (with the index and middle fingers extended and together). Tap the fingers of your dominant hand crosswise on top of your non-dominant hand's fingers twice.

Examples Using "Hi My Name Is" in a Sentence

1

Hi, my name is Sarah.

To sign this introduction, follow the sequence for 'Hi, my name is' by signing HI, MY, and NAME. Immediately after tapping your fingers for NAME, smoothly transition into fingerspelling the letters S-A-R-A-H at a comfortable, steady pace.

2

Hi, my name is John. Nice to meet you.

Begin with the standard greeting and introduction sequence: HI, MY, NAME, followed by fingerspelling J-O-H-N. After your name, add the signs for NICE (sliding flat hands) and MEET YOU (bringing two '1' handshapes together) to complete the polite greeting.

3

Hi, my name is Alex. What is your name?

Start by signing HI, MY, NAME, and then fingerspell A-L-E-X. To ask for their name in return, point to them with a flat palm for YOUR, sign NAME, and furrow your eyebrows to indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.

How to Sign "Hi My Name Is"
To sign 'Hi, my name is,' you will combine three distinct signs: HI, MY, and NAME. First, sign 'Hi' by bringing your flat dominant hand to your forehead and moving it outward in a small, friendly salute. Next, sign 'My' by placing your flat dominant hand flat against the center of your chest. Finally, sign 'Name' by forming both hands into 'H' or 'U' shapes (with the index and middle fingers extended and together). Tap the fingers of your dominant hand crosswise on top of your non-dominant hand's fingers twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This introductory phrase strings together three highly visual signs. 'Hi' is a natural gesture that evolved from a traditional salute or wave used to grab someone's attention. 'My' utilizes a flat palm pressed against the chest, a universal way to indicate possession or something belonging to oneself. The sign for 'Name' is believed to represent the concept of a signature on a document, with the crossed fingers symbolizing the lines on a page or the act of marking one's unique identity.
Signing Tips
When introducing yourself, it is helpful to pause for just a fraction of a second after signing 'NAME' before you begin fingerspelling your actual name. This brief pause acts as a visual cue, letting your conversation partner know that you are switching from ASL vocabulary to fingerspelling. Additionally, always maintain eye contact and a warm, friendly facial expression during your greeting to set a positive tone for the interaction.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is trying to translate English exactly by searching for a sign for the word 'is.' In ASL, 'to be' verbs like 'is' are omitted in this context, so you simply sign HI, MY, NAME. Another frequent error is pointing to your chest with an index finger for 'My.' Pointing means 'I' or 'me,' whereas using a flat palm against your chest correctly indicates possession, meaning 'my' or 'mine.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hi My Name Is" in a Sentence
1

Hi, my name is Sarah.

To sign this introduction, follow the sequence for 'Hi, my name is' by signing HI, MY, and NAME. Immediately after tapping your fingers for NAME, smoothly transition into fingerspelling the letters S-A-R-A-H at a comfortable, steady pace.

2

Hi, my name is John. Nice to meet you.

Begin with the standard greeting and introduction sequence: HI, MY, NAME, followed by fingerspelling J-O-H-N. After your name, add the signs for NICE (sliding flat hands) and MEET YOU (bringing two '1' handshapes together) to complete the polite greeting.

3

Hi, my name is Alex. What is your name?

Start by signing HI, MY, NAME, and then fingerspell A-L-E-X. To ask for their name in return, point to them with a flat palm for YOUR, sign NAME, and furrow your eyebrows to indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word 'is' when introducing myself?

No, you do not need to sign 'is.' ASL has its own distinct grammar and syntax, and it generally does not use 'to be' verbs like 'is,' 'are,' or 'am' in this type of sentence. Simply signing HI, MY, NAME followed by your fingerspelled name is grammatically correct and perfectly understood.

Is it okay if I just sign 'I am [Name]' instead?

Yes, absolutely! Another very common and natural way to introduce yourself in ASL is to simply point to your chest with your index finger to sign 'I' or 'Me,' and then immediately fingerspell your name. Both 'My name is' and 'I am' are widely used and acceptable introductions.

Which hand should I use to sign this phrase?

You should use your dominant hand for the entire sequence. Your dominant hand will perform the salute for 'Hi' and rest on your chest for 'My.' For the sign 'Name,' your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary base while your dominant hand taps on top of it.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!