Everyday Signs: Practical ASL Phrases You Can Use Right Now

Why Learn Everyday ASL Phrases?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich, visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States and parts of Canada. For hearing individuals, learning basic everyday signs is a powerful way to make communication more inclusive, respectful, and accessible. Whether you’re interacting with a Deaf person at work, school, or in a social setting, knowing even a few practical signs can create immediate connection and mutual understanding.

The best part? You don’t need to be fluent to start making a difference. A few signs can go a long way in showing respect and breaking down communication barriers.

Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases

Learning how to greet someone in ASL is an easy and impactful place to begin. These signs are useful in almost every conversation, whether formal or casual.

Hello – A simple wave or salute gesture from the forehead outward.
How are you? – Made by placing both hands in front of your chest, with fingers curved, then rotating them outward while lifting your eyebrows.
Good morning – Combine the sign for “good” (flat hand from chin to the other palm) and “morning” (rising arm gesture).
Good night – Use the same “good” sign followed by a downward bent-hand gesture to represent night.
Please – Flat hand on chest moving in small circles.
Thank you – Flat hand from chin outward.
You’re welcome – Gesture back toward yourself from your chin, or simply smile and nod.
Excuse me – One curved hand brushing across the palm of the other hand.
Sorry – A circular motion on the chest using a fist.

These greetings establish a polite and friendly tone and are useful in any setting.

Useful Phrases in Daily Interaction

Being able to express simple needs or responses can greatly improve communication in shared spaces like classrooms, stores, or workplaces.

Yes – A fist nodding like a head.
No – Index and middle fingers close to thumb like a talking mouth.
I don’t understand – Point to yourself, then make a questioning face with a hand beside your temple flicking upward.
Help – One fist on an open palm, then lifting both slightly upward.
I need help – Combine pointing to yourself with the “help” sign.
Bathroom – Make the letter “T” (fist with thumb between fingers) and shake it side to side.
Where is…? – Point forward, followed by shaking your index finger side to side with a questioning expression.
Can I ask you a question? – Index finger tracing a small question mark in the air or a pinching motion near the mouth.
I’m learning sign language – Point to yourself, then mimic gathering knowledge at the forehead, followed by “sign” (index fingers rotating around each other) and “language” (hands moving outward like flowing ribbons).

These expressions are especially helpful in brief, functional interactions with Deaf or signing individuals.

At Work or School

In professional or educational environments, these signs can help build bridges of communication.

Nice to meet you – Combine the signs for “nice” (palms brushing), “meet” (two index fingers facing each other), and “you” (point outward).
What’s your name? – Sign “your” by pushing a flat hand forward, then “name” by tapping extended index and middle fingers from both hands, followed by a questioning face.
Slow down – Gently stroke the back of your hand as if calming something.
Repeat, please – Circle motion for “please” and curved hand moving toward the palm to mean “repeat.”
Good job – Sign “good,” then mimic clapping or a thumbs-up gesture.
Finished / Done – Open hands rotating outward to signify completion.

These practical signs allow for greater independence and clarity in shared environments.

Why Practice These Signs?

Learning everyday ASL phrases is about more than memorizing gestures — it’s about empathy, awareness, and connection. Practicing signs helps train your body and mind to communicate in a new way, one that relies heavily on facial expression, spatial awareness, and intention. It also encourages deeper listening — not with ears, but with eyes and attention.

Frequent practice builds confidence, and confidence creates better communication. Even if your signing isn’t perfect, the effort itself speaks volumes. Most Deaf individuals deeply appreciate the initiative and will often help you along the way.