Tutorial · beginner · 2 min
Your first greeting in ASL
A one-minute practice to open a conversation: sign HELLO, then follow it with HOW-ARE-YOU. Includes the signs, the most common variants, and what to do with your face.
ASL greetings are short, warm, and carry a lot of meaning in the face. This tutorial walks through one variant you will see most often. It is not the only correct way.
Start with HELLO
Flat hand near the temple, palm facing out, move it away from your head in a short, friendly motion. Eyes on the person. A small smile and raised brows turn the hand motion into an actual greeting.
Sign
Hello
Open the dictionary entry for HELLO to see it signed.
Follow with HOW-ARE-YOU
Both hands, bent at the knuckles, touch fingertips to chest, roll them outward. End the sign with a slight head tilt and raised eyebrows to turn it into a question.
Wait for the answer
Do not look away. Eye contact is a core part of the exchange, not a politeness extra.