How to sign
Welcome in ASL
Welcome sweeps an open hand in toward your body, as if inviting someone in. It's used for greeting arrivals and in the phrase 'you're welcome.'
- Single sign
- One hand
- Handshape: Flat open hand, palm up
- In front of the body
- First Signs
How to sign welcome
- 1
Hold an open hand out in front of you, palm up, a little to the side.
- 2
Sweep it inward toward your body, ending near your waist.
- 3
Pair it with a welcoming face and a slight nod.
Common mistakes
- Sweeping outward instead of inward. The motion brings the person toward you.
Use it in a sentence
English sentences you can sign with Welcome. In ASL the word order can shift and filler words drop away.
- “You're welcome here.”
Questions about “Welcome”
Many signers use WELCOME for 'you're welcome' too. There's a dedicated clip for YOU'RE-WELCOME; both are understood.
Guide
Greetings
How to say hello, goodbye, good morning, and nice to meet you in ASL, plus the etiquette of getting someone's attention before you sign.
From the blog
How Long Does It Take to Learn ASL? An Honest Timeline
What you can realistically sign after one week, one month, six months, and two years of ASL, and the daily habits that move you between those stages faster.