Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Nice To Meet You"

This is a three-part sign. The first part you will sign “Nice” by taking both your hands in the closed 5 handshape, your non dominant hand will be palms up while your dominant hand will be palm down and slide across your non dominant hand. The second part is “meet” for this you will take both hands in the “d” handshape and bring them together and touch your thumbs together. The third part is “you”, for this you will just take you “d” handshape on your dominant hand and point at who you are speaking with.

Examples Using "Nice To Meet You" in a Sentence

1

Hello, my name is Sarah. Nice to meet you.

Sign 'Hello,' fingerspell your name, and then perform the three-part sequence for 'nice to meet you.' Ensure you finish by pointing directly at the person you are introducing yourself to with your dominant 'd' handshape.

2

It is very nice to meet you.

To emphasize 'very nice,' you can slide your dominant hand across your non-dominant hand a bit more deliberately and smoothly during the first part of the sign, before transitioning into the 'meet' and 'you' handshapes.

3

Nice to meet you too.

After the other person greets you, you can reply with the exact same three-part sequence. Add a warm smile and a slight affirmative nod while pointing at them for 'you' to convey the 'too' or 'also' sentiment.

How to Sign "Nice To Meet You"
This is a three-part sign. The first part you will sign “Nice” by taking both your hands in the closed 5 handshape, your non dominant hand will be palms up while your dominant hand will be palm down and slide across your non dominant hand. The second part is “meet” for this you will take both hands in the “d” handshape and bring them together and touch your thumbs together. The third part is “you”, for this you will just take you “d” handshape on your dominant hand and point at who you are speaking with.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase combines three highly iconic signs. 'Nice' visually represents wiping a surface clean or smooth. 'Meet' uses two 'd' handshapes (with the upright index fingers representing two people) coming together to face one another. Finally, 'you' is a universally understood pointing gesture directed at your conversational partner.
Signing Tips
Focus on the fluidity of your transitions. Moving from the flat, closed 5 handshapes of 'nice' into the 'd' handshapes of 'meet' takes a little practice. Keep your movements relaxed, ensure your thumbs touch during 'meet,' and always maintain eye contact with a warm, welcoming facial expression.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is rushing the transitions and blurring the three distinct signs together. Beginners also frequently forget to touch their thumbs together during the 'meet' portion, or they point vaguely instead of directly at the person during the final 'you' sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Nice To Meet You" in a Sentence
1

Hello, my name is Sarah. Nice to meet you.

Sign 'Hello,' fingerspell your name, and then perform the three-part sequence for 'nice to meet you.' Ensure you finish by pointing directly at the person you are introducing yourself to with your dominant 'd' handshape.

2

It is very nice to meet you.

To emphasize 'very nice,' you can slide your dominant hand across your non-dominant hand a bit more deliberately and smoothly during the first part of the sign, before transitioning into the 'meet' and 'you' handshapes.

3

Nice to meet you too.

After the other person greets you, you can reply with the exact same three-part sequence. Add a warm smile and a slight affirmative nod while pointing at them for 'you' to convey the 'too' or 'also' sentiment.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to sign 'you' at the end?

While beginners should practice the full three-part sequence, fluent signers sometimes drop the final 'you'. This is because the 'meet' sign can be moved directionally toward the person, naturally implying 'you'. However, signing all three parts is always correct and polite.

What facial expression should I use for this sign?

Since this is a polite and friendly greeting, you should wear a warm, welcoming smile. Eye contact is also crucial in ASL, especially when introducing yourself and pointing to the other person during the 'you' portion of the sign.

How do I smoothly transition from 'nice' to 'meet'?

After your dominant hand slides off your non-dominant hand for 'nice,' immediately lift both hands slightly while changing them into the 'd' handshape. Then, bring them together so your thumbs touch for 'meet.' Practice this transition slowly before speeding up.

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