How to Sign "You're Welcome"
Place your hand in the cupped 5 handshape with your palm out then you will scoop it down with your palm facing up while bringing it towards your chest.
Examples Using "You're Welcome" in a Sentence
1
Thank you for helping me! — You're welcome.
After the person signs 'thank you,' respond by using your dominant hand in the cupped 5 handshape, scooping it down and inward toward your chest to politely acknowledge their gratitude.
2
You're welcome to join us for dinner.
This sign also means 'welcome' as an invitation. Scoop your cupped hand toward your chest while nodding and smiling to show they are warmly invited to participate.
3
Welcome to my new home!
When greeting someone at your door, use this same scooping motion toward your body to make them feel invited and comfortable entering your personal space.
How to Sign "You're Welcome"
Place your hand in the cupped 5 handshape with your palm out then you will scoop it down with your palm facing up while bringing it towards your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'you're welcome' is highly iconic and relies on a natural, universally understood gesture. It visually represents the act of gathering something in and bringing it toward yourself. The gentle scooping motion toward the chest mimics physically welcoming a guest through a doorway into your home, or graciously accepting someone's thanks.
Signing Tips
Keep your hand relaxed in the cupped '5' shape, with your fingers together but slightly curved. The movement should be a smooth, continuous arc, much like you are physically inviting someone into your personal space. Always remember to pair the sign with a warm, polite facial expression and a gentle smile to fully convey your sincerity and friendliness.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is keeping their palm completely flat and rigid instead of using the required relaxed, cupped shape. Another common error is scooping the hand outward away from the body. It is crucial that the motion starts with the palm facing out and scoops downward and inward, ending with the palm facing up near your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "You're Welcome" in a Sentence
1Thank you for helping me! — You're welcome.
After the person signs 'thank you,' respond by using your dominant hand in the cupped 5 handshape, scooping it down and inward toward your chest to politely acknowledge their gratitude.
2You're welcome to join us for dinner.
This sign also means 'welcome' as an invitation. Scoop your cupped hand toward your chest while nodding and smiling to show they are warmly invited to participate.
3Welcome to my new home!
When greeting someone at your door, use this same scooping motion toward your body to make them feel invited and comfortable entering your personal space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign 'you're welcome' every time someone says 'thank you'?
In ASL, it isn't always necessary to use this formal sign. Often, a warm smile, a nod, or a thumbs-up is a perfectly polite and natural way to acknowledge someone's thanks in casual, everyday conversations.
Is this the exact same sign used to welcome someone to a place?
Yes! The scooping motion toward your chest is the exact same sign used to say 'Welcome to my house' or to invite someone into a group. It works for both responding to thanks and greeting guests.
Which hand should I use to sign this?
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the cupped shape, start with the palm facing out, and scoop it toward your chest.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!