“Thank you” in ASL (American Sign Language) is expressed with a simple hand movement that shows appreciation and respect. The sign is easy to learn and widely used in daily communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Many people search for how to say thank you in ASL to learn basic sign language, communicate politely, or show gratitude without using words. The user intent is clear: they want a quick, easy-to-understand explanation that can be used in real-life situations.
In this guide, you will learn how to sign “thank you” in ASL, when to use it, and how small variations can change the tone. This beginner-friendly explanation helps you express gratitude naturally and respectfully using sign language.
Thank You in ASL
✋ 15 Ways to Say Thank You in ASL
| 🤟 ASL Expression | 👐 How to Sign | 💬 Meaning | 🎯 Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thank You | Flat hand from chin outward | Thank you | Standard polite expression |
| Thanks a Lot | Repeat “Thank You” with more emphasis | Thanks a lot | Stronger gratitude |
| Thank You Very Much | “Thank You” + sign for “Very” | Thank you very much | Formal, warm |
| Many Thanks | Both hands signing “Thank You” repeatedly | Many thanks | Extra emphasis |
| Big Thanks | “Thank You” + big movement outward | Big thanks | Informal, cheerful |
| Thank You So Much | Exaggerated “Thank You” + “Much” | Thank you so much | Heartfelt |
| Thanks Friend | “Thank You” + sign for “Friend” | Thanks, friend | Casual, personal |
| Thanks Everyone | “Thank You” sweeping motion to group | Thanks everyone | Group setting |
| Thanks Teacher | “Thank You” + sign for “Teacher” | Thank you teacher | Classroom/formal |
| Thanks Family | “Thank You” + sign for “Family” | Thank you family | Warm, personal |
| Deep Thanks | “Thank You” done slowly with two hands | Deep gratitude | Emotional context |
| Appreciate | Sign for “Appreciate” (two flat hands on chest moving forward) | I appreciate it | Formal, heartfelt |
| Grateful | One hand brushing upward on chest | Grateful | More emotional tone |
| Forever Thankful | “Thank You” + sign for “Always” | Forever thankful | Emotional, long-lasting |
| Bless You/Thanks | “Thank You” + open-hand blessing gesture | Bless you / Thanks | Religious/spiritual |
Let’s explore 15 authentic ways to say thank you in ASL, complete with examples and insights into their usage and cultural roots.
1. Thank You
How to Sign:
Place the fingertips of one hand at your chin and move it outward, like blowing a kiss.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: THANK YOU)
👤 User B: (Smiles and nods)
Origin/Context:
This is the standard and most widely taught sign for “thank you” in ASL. It’s polite, clear, and universally understood in Deaf communities.
2. Thanks
How to Sign:
Same as “thank you,” but used more casually—often quicker in motion or with a smile.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs THANKS with a casual wave)
👤 User B: (Signs: YOU’RE WELCOME)
Context:
Used informally, often between friends or in casual conversations.
3. Thank You Very Much
How to Sign:
Sign “thank you” and then add emphasis with “VERY” and “MUCH” (flat hands moving outward, showing intensity).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: THANK YOU VERY MUCH)
👤 User B: (Signs: I’M HAPPY TO HELP)
Context:
Used when you want to express deep gratitude or sincere appreciation.
4. Thanks a Lot
How to Sign:
Combine “THANK YOU” with facial expressions that show exaggeration (wide smile, raised eyebrows).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs THANK YOU + exaggerated expression)
👤 User B: (Nods and signs: NO PROBLEM)
Context:
Similar to “thank you very much” but more animated or playful.
5. Much Obliged (Formal Sign Equivalent)
How to Sign:
Use signs for “THANK YOU” and “HONOR” (flat hand circles over chest) together.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: THANK YOU + HONORED)
👤 User B: (Signs: MY PLEASURE)
Origin/Context:
Used in formal or respectful settings, like speaking to elders or teachers.
6. Appreciate
How to Sign:
Place your dominant hand on your chin, then make a circular motion out and down with both hands open.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP)
👤 User B: (Signs: ANYTIME)
Context:
“Appreciate” is often used to show heartfelt or more thoughtful gratitude.
7. Grateful / Gratitude
How to Sign:
Use both hands to sign “THANK YOU” at the same time, with serious or thankful facial expression.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: I’M GRATEFUL FOR YOU)
👤 User B: (Signs: I FEEL THE SAME)
Context:
A deeper, more emotional expression than a casual thank you.
8. Bless You / Feeling Blessed
How to Sign:
Combine “THANK YOU” with the sign for “BLESS” (hands moving from mouth down to chest in a soft wave).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: THANK YOU + BLESS YOU)
👤 User B: (Smiles and signs: THANK YOU TOO)
Context:
Common in spiritual or religious contexts, or among those expressing heartfelt blessings.
9. Cheers / Thanks (British/Informal)
How to Sign:
Use “THANK YOU” with a slight head nod and informal smile.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: THANK YOU casually with head nod)
👤 User B: (Signs: YOU GOT IT)
Context:
Seen in Deaf communities influenced by British Sign Language (BSL) or in casual American settings.
10. Thumbs Up (Gesture-Based Thanks)
How to Sign:
A simple thumbs-up gesture paired with a smile.
Example:
👤 User A: (Gives thumbs up after receiving help)
👤 User B: (Nods and waves)
Context:
Common in casual or quick exchanges when formal ASL isn’t necessary.
11. Thanks + Smile + Head Nod
How to Sign:
Sign “THANK YOU” and add a big smile with a head nod.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs THANK YOU with a warm smile)
👤 User B: (Signs: WELCOME)
Context:
Used to convey sincerity and friendliness.
12. Many Thanks
How to Sign:
Sign “THANK YOU” repeatedly (2–3 times) with slight variations in motion.
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: THANK YOU x3)
👤 User B: (Signs: HAPPY TO HELP)
Context:
Used when someone has done a big favor or gone out of their way.
13. Clapping Hands (Visual Applause)
How to Sign:
Hold your hands up and twist them side to side (visual applause).
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs visual applause after a performance)
👤 User B: (Bows slightly)
Origin/Context:
Used instead of clapping in Deaf culture—shows appreciation and support.
14. Hand Over Heart
How to Sign:
Place your hand on your heart, then extend it outward like “thank you.”
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: HEART + THANK YOU gesture)
👤 User B: (Touches chest in return)
Context:
Expresses emotional or personal gratitude, especially in meaningful moments.
15. YOU HELP — THANK YOU (Contextual Signing)
How to Sign:
Combine context signs like “YOU” + “HELP” + “THANK YOU.”
Example:
👤 User A: (Signs: YOU HELP ME — THANK YOU)
👤 User B: (Signs: HAPPY TO DO IT)
Context:
Shows specific appreciation and helps make your message clearer.
Conclusion:
Now that you’ve learned how to say thank you in ASL, you can express gratitude with confidence and inclusivity.
This simple sign goes a long way in showing respect and appreciation, especially when communicating with members of the Deaf community. Keep practicing and adding more signs to your vocabulary — every gesture counts!
