How to say you’re welcome in ASL is something many beginners want to learn when starting American Sign Language. The phrase is simple to sign: you move your hand from your chin outward in a small, gentle motion. It’s a polite and friendly sign you can use after someone signs “thank you.” Learning this gesture helps you communicate respectfully and naturally with Deaf or such as hard of hearing people.
Knowing how to say you’re welcome in ASL is important for polite interactions, showing gratitude, and maintaining friendly communication with the Deaf community. The most common sign for “You’re Welcome” is open-hand, palm facing up, moving slightly forward, but there are multiple ways to express it depending on context and formality.
How to Say You’re Welcome in ASL with Examples
Let’s explore 15 ways to say you’re welcome in ASL, complete with origins, examples, and practical usage.
1. YOU’RE WELCOME (Basic Sign)
Origin: Standard ASL sign using an open hand moving forward from the chest.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU
👤 B: YOU’RE WELCOME
Use: Universal, polite response in most situations.
2. NO PROBLEM
Origin: Casual gesture, often fingerspelled or signed with relaxed movement.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU
👤 B: NO PROBLEM
Use: Informal situations, friends, or peers.
3. ANYTIME
Origin: Sign “ANYTIME” with hand gesture indicating openness.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU FOR HELPING
👤 B: ANYTIME
Use: Friendly, casual reply.
4. HAPPY TO HELP
Origin: Signs “HAPPY” + “HELP,” expresses willingness to assist.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: HAPPY TO HELP
Use: Warm, polite response.
5. MY PLEASURE
Origin: Sign using “PLEASURE” with a friendly facial expression.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: MY PLEASURE
Use: Polite, friendly, slightly formal.
6. NO THANKS NEEDED
Origin: Combination of “NO” + “THANKS” signs.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: NO THANKS NEEDED
Use: Humble, polite.
7. NOT AT ALL
Origin: Sign “NOT” with dismissive gesture to indicate modesty.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU
👤 B: NOT AT ALL
Use: Polite, humble reply.
8. IT’S OK
Origin: Simple sign for “OK” or “FINE.”
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU
👤 B: IT’S OK
Use: Informal, casual response.
9. DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
Origin: Sign “DON’T WORRY” + “ABOUT IT.”
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
Use: Friendly, casual, reassuring.
10. ANYWAY
Origin: Sign “ANYWAY” with a relaxed movement.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU
👤 B: ANYWAY
Use: Casual, informal, friendly.
11. SURE
Origin: Sign “SURE” with head nod, showing willingness.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: SURE
Use: Informal, friendly.
12. ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP
Origin: Signs “ALWAYS” + “HAPPY” + “HELP.”
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP
Use: Polite, warm, slightly formal.
13. ANYTIME FRIEND
Origin: Signs “ANYTIME” + “FRIEND.”
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: ANYTIME FRIEND
Use: Casual, friendly among peers.
14. YOU GOT IT
Origin: Sign “YOU” + “GOT IT” gesture.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: YOU GOT IT
Use: Informal, casual, friendly.
15. NO BIG DEAL
Origin: Sign “NO” + “BIG” + “DEAL” with casual hand movement.
Example:
👤 A: THANK YOU!
👤 B: NO BIG DEAL
Use: Informal, casual, among close friends.
FAQs
- What is the most common way to say you’re welcome in ASL?
→ Open-hand, palm up, moving forward (YOU’RE WELCOME) - Is there a casual version for friends?
→ Yes, NO PROBLEM, ANYTIME, IT’S OK - How do you show politeness formally?
→ MY PLEASURE, HAPPY TO HELP, ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP - How do you express humility?
→ NOT AT ALL, NO THANKS NEEDED - Can I combine signs for friendliness?
→ Yes, e.g., ANYTIME FRIEND or YOU GOT IT - Are facial expressions important in ASL?
→ Absolutely! Politeness, warmth, and friendliness are emphasized through facial expressions. - Is “NO BIG DEAL” formal?
→ No, it’s very casual and informal. - Can I use these signs in professional settings?
→ Stick with YOU’RE WELCOME, HAPPY TO HELP, MY PLEASURE for formal situations. - How do I say “You’re welcome, anytime”?
→ YOU’RE WELCOME + ANYTIME signs together. - Do these signs vary by region?
→ Some slight variations exist, but these 15 are widely understood in ASL.
Conclusion:
Learning how to say you’re welcome in ASL is an easy and helpful step toward better communication. This simple gesture shows respect, kindness, and good manners in conversations. It also makes your interactions more natural when someone signs “thank you.” As you practice more ASL phrases, you’ll become more confident and comfortable communicating with the Deaf community.
