How to Sign "Thanks You"

Start with your dominant hand flat, fingers together, and your palm facing toward you. Place the tips of your fingers on your chin or just below your lower lip. Move your hand forward and slightly down in a smooth arc toward the person you are thanking, ending with your palm facing up. Be sure to include a pleasant or grateful facial expression.

Examples Using "Thanks You" in a Sentence

1

Thank you for your help.

To sign this, you would perform the sign for 'thank you' by moving your hand from your chin forward, followed by the sign for 'help'.

2

No, thank you.

First, shake your head and sign 'no', then smoothly transition into the 'thank you' sign while maintaining a polite facial expression.

3

Thank you very much!

To show extra gratitude, you can perform the 'thank you' sign with a larger, more deliberate forward motion and a very expressive, smiling face.

How to Sign "Thanks You"
Start with your dominant hand flat, fingers together, and your palm facing toward you. Place the tips of your fingers on your chin or just below your lower lip. Move your hand forward and slightly down in a smooth arc toward the person you are thanking, ending with your palm facing up. Be sure to include a pleasant or grateful facial expression.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents taking something positive from your mouth—representing your spoken words or breath—and offering it forward to the person you are thanking. It is a literal gesture of directing your gratitude toward someone.
Signing Tips
Focus on the direction of the movement. Your hand should move forward directly toward the person you are thanking, as if you are offering them your gratitude. Your facial expression is crucial here; a genuine smile conveys the depth of your thanks. Keep your fingers together and your hand flat for a clean, natural look.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is confusing 'thank you' with the sign for 'good'. While both start at the chin, 'thank you' moves outward toward the other person, whereas 'good' typically moves downward to land on the palm of your non-dominant hand. Another mistake is bunching the fingers like blowing a kiss; keep your hand flat.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Thanks You" in a Sentence
1

Thank you for your help.

To sign this, you would perform the sign for 'thank you' by moving your hand from your chin forward, followed by the sign for 'help'.

2

No, thank you.

First, shake your head and sign 'no', then smoothly transition into the 'thank you' sign while maintaining a polite facial expression.

3

Thank you very much!

To show extra gratitude, you can perform the 'thank you' sign with a larger, more deliberate forward motion and a very expressive, smiling face.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'thank you' and 'good'?

Both signs start with the fingers of a flat hand on the chin. However, 'thank you' moves forward toward the person you are thanking, while 'good' typically moves downward to land on the palm of your other hand.

Can I use two hands to sign 'thank you'?

Yes! If you want to express deep gratitude or say 'thank you so much,' you can use both hands simultaneously, performing the exact same motion from the chin outward.

Do I need to mouth the words 'thank you'?

While you don't have to voice the words, many signers naturally mouth 'thank you' while performing the sign. More importantly, ensure your facial expression matches the feeling of gratitude.

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