How to sign
Excuse Me in ASL
Excuse me brushes the fingertips of one hand across the palm of the other, twice. Use it to get past someone, to interrupt, or to apologize for something small.
- Phrase
- Two hands
- Handshape: Flat hands
- In front of body
- Quick Replies
- ASL Phrases
How to sign excuse me
- 1
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up.
- 2
Brush the fingertips of your dominant hand across the palm and off the fingertips, twice.
- 3
A small lean forward or nod makes it polite.
Common mistakes
- Sliding the whole hand across. Only the fingertips brush.
Questions about “Excuse Me”
No. SORRY is a fist circling on the chest, for real apologies. EXCUSE-ME is for getting past, interrupting, or small things.
Guide
Basic Phrases
The first phrases you actually use in a signed conversation: introductions, asking for help, saying you are learning, and keeping things polite. Real video for each one.
From the blog
Deaf Culture Etiquette: 12 Things Hearing Beginners Should Know
How to get someone's attention, why eye contact is not rude, what to do when you do not understand, and how to be a welcome guest in Deaf spaces.