So you want to know how to say how are you in ASL? Maybe you're meeting a Deaf neighbor, starting an ASL class, or just curious. Smart move – it's the absolute foundation for real conversations. Let's cut through the confusion. Forget just mimicking hand shapes. I learned the hard way (more on that embarrassing coffee shop moment later) that nailing this greeting means understanding Deaf culture, facial expressions, and which version to use when. That's what we're diving into today. No fluff, just the practical stuff you actually need.
Why Getting "How Are You?" Right in ASL Matters More Than You Think
It's not just words. In spoken English, "how are you?" can be a throwaway line. In Deaf culture and ASL, signing this greeting is a genuine invitation for connection. Slap the signs together wrong or with a blank face? You might signal disinterest or confusion. I remember my first ASL meetup – I signed it flatly, got a puzzled look back, and realized I’d basically just grunted "u ok?" at someone. Not the warm intro I wanted!
Think about it: how to say how are you in ASL is often the first real phrase people search for when starting ASL. It's your social handshake. Get it wrong, and the conversation stumbles before it starts. Get it right, with the proper feeling, and you show respect and openness. That cultural weight? Yeah, most quick YouTube clips don't cover it deeply enough.
The Core Elements You Absolutely Cannot Ignore
Non-Negotiables: You can't just wave your hands. Three things make or break how to say how are you in asl:
- Facial Expression: Eyebrows furrowed? Raised? This changes the meaning entirely. Seriously, it's half the sign.
- Movement & Direction: Where your hands start, end, and how they move tells the story.
- Eye Contact: Looking away mid-sign? That's like mumbling into your shoulder.
Breaking Down the Signs: Step-by-Step (With Visual Descriptions)
Let's get practical. There are common variations for how to say how are you in ASL. Each has its place.
The Standard "HOW ARE YOU?"
1. HOW: Make fists with both hands (like a loose 'S' handshape, thumb resting on fingers). Place them palms down, knuckles touching, near your chest. Rotate both fists outward so your palms end up facing up. Think of opening up a question.
2. ARE: Okay, here's where it gets interesting. Often, this sign is incorporated smoothly into the transition between HOW and YOU, rather than being signed distinctly. The concept of "being" is frequently conveyed through the context and flow. Don't stress about finding a separate "ARE" sign like in English – ASL grammar is different.
3. YOU: Point directly at the person you're addressing. A single, clear point. None of that wobbly finger stuff.
Facial Expression: Furrow your eyebrows slightly (like asking a genuine question). Lean forward a tiny bit. Maintain steady eye contact.
When to Use: General greetings, people you know somewhat, everyday interactions. This is your go-to for "how to say how are you in asl" in most situations.
The Informal/Casual "SUP?" or "WHAT'S UP?"
1. WHAT: Use a relaxed "B" handshape (flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked in). Tap the side of your index finger against your forehead twice, palm facing down.
2. UP (Optional/Implied): The upward movement and context often imply "up." You might flick your index finger slightly upwards after the second tap on the forehead.
Facial Expression: Raise your eyebrows slightly. Use a relaxed, maybe even small smile. Less intense.
When to Use: Friends, peers, very casual settings. Think texting "wyd?" – same vibe. Not for your ASL professor or Grandma.
The Concerned/Deep "HOW ARE YOU FEELING?"
1. FEEL: Use your dominant hand's middle finger extended (like a number 1), other fingers curled. Touch the center of your chest with the fingertip. Make a small clockwise circle once or twice.
2. HOW: Sign "HOW" as described above.
3. YOU: Point to the person.
Facial Expression: Look concerned. Furrowed eyebrows, head tilted slightly. Shows genuine care about wellbeing.
When to Use: When you know someone has been sick, stressed, or going through something. It asks deeper than surface level.
| Variation | Sign Sequence | Facial Expression | Best For | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard "How Are You?" | HOW + (ARE implied) + YOU | Eyebrows furrowed, neutral/slight smile, eye contact | Most situations, general greeting, acquaintances | Can seem stiff if over-enunciated |
| Informal "Sup?" | WHAT (+ slight UP flick) | Eyebrows raised, relaxed smile | Friends, peers, very casual settings | Too informal for elders, superiors, formal contexts |
| "How Are You Feeling?" | FEEL + HOW + YOU | Concerned look, furrowed brows, head tilt | Showing genuine concern, known illness/stress | Too personal/intense for casual greetings |
Top 5 Mistakes People Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Watching people fumble how to say how are you in asl is like nails on a chalkboard now. Avoid these common fails:
- The Blank Stare: Signing perfectly... with a deadpan face. Result? Confusion or offense. Always match your expression to the sign's meaning.
- The Averted Gaze: Looking down or away mid-sign. It screams disinterest. Hold eye contact!
- The Over-Pointer: Stabbing aggressively at the person for "YOU." A gentle, clear point suffices. No need for force.
- The Mumbler: Signing too small or fast in the chest area. Make your signs clear and visible within your signing space.
- Ignoring Context: Using the super casual "SUP?" sign with your Deaf boss. Read the room! Choose the right variation.
My Coffee Shop Fail: Early on, I saw a Deaf acquaintance. Excited, I signed "HOW-YOU" fast and flat, while glancing at the coffee menu. My signing was technically "correct," but my lack of expression and split attention made it rude. She signed back slowly, clearly, with full attention – a polite lesson I never forgot. Context and presentation are EVERYTHING.
Beyond the Basics: Regional Variations & Nuances
Just like spoken English has accents, ASL has regional variations. how to say how are you in ASL might look slightly different depending on where you are or who you learned from.
- Movement: Some signers make the movement for "HOW" larger or smaller.
- Incorporating "ARE": While often implied, some signers might use a very small upward movement of the hands after "HOW" before pointing for "YOU" to subtly incorporate the concept.
- "SUP?" Alternatives: In some regions, a simple raised eyebrow and head nod with a questioning look might serve the same ultra-casual function as the "WHAT" sign.
Key Takeaway: Don't panic if you see slight differences. Focus on the core meaning and the signer's intent. The standard versions covered here are widely understood.
How to Practice Like a Pro (Not Just Mimicking Videos)
Want to move beyond robotic signing? Here's how to make your "how to say how are you in asl" feel natural:
- Mirror, Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror. Obsess over your facial expression. Does it match the feeling? Be your own toughest critic.
- Record Yourself: Phone videos are brutal but invaluable. Watch for awkward pauses, unclear movements, expression drops.
- Find a Partner: Practice *with* someone, ideally a Deaf person or skilled signer. Get real-time feedback. Online platforms like italki (search for ASL tutors) or local Deaf clubs are goldmines. Feedback is oxygen for learning.
- Shadow Real Conversations: Watch videos of Deaf people naturally conversing (Gallaudet University YouTube channel is great). Don't just watch their hands, watch their *faces* and body language. Shadow their rhythm.
- Think Meaning, Not Words: When signing "HOW ARE YOU?", focus on conveying the *question* and *concern*, not just reproducing English words with your hands. This mindset shift is crucial.
Awesome Resources to Level Up Your ASL Greetings
Skip the sketchy, ad-filled sites. These are genuinely useful:
- Lifeprint (ASL University): https://www.lifeprint.com/ - Dr. Bill Vicars' site is legendary. Free lessons, massive dictionary with videos. Search "how are you" for his clear breakdowns. My personal go-to for clarity.
- Signing Savvy: https://www.signingsavvy.com/ - Huge video dictionary. Good for seeing multiple angles of signs. Requires free account for full access, premium for more features.
- ASL That! (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/c/ASLThat - Deaf-led channel. Search for their greeting tutorials. They show natural signing speed and context.
- Local Deaf Clubs/Events: Google "[Your City] Deaf club" or "[Your City] ASL meetup". Immersion is unbeatable. Check community centers or colleges. Can be intimidating at first, but worth it.
- Gallaudet University YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GallaudetUniversity - Videos featuring native signers in lectures, stories, events. Great for absorbing natural flow and expression.
Warning: Avoid apps focusing *only* on vocabulary drills without cultural context or expression training. They build bad habits.
FAQs Answered: All Your "How Are You in ASL" Questions
Let's tackle those specific searches people have about how to say how are you in asl:
Is there a sign for "are" in "how are you"?
This trips up English speakers constantly. ASL grammar isn't English. Often, the state of "being" (are) is incorporated into the flow between "HOW" and "YOU" or simply implied by context. You don't usually sign a separate, distinct "ARE" sign like you do in English. Thinking you *must* find an "ARE" sign is a common beginner hang-up. Focus on the overall meaning: asking about someone's condition.
Do I sign "how are you" with one hand or two?
For the standard "HOW ARE YOU?", "HOW" uses two hands (both fists rotating). "YOU" is typically one hand (the dominant hand pointing). The informal "SUP?" uses one hand for "WHAT". Always use your dominant hand for single-handed signs.
How important is speed when signing "how are you"?
Clarity trumps speed, always. Sign clearly and deliberately first. As you get comfortable and see native signers, you'll notice a natural, smooth rhythm. Don't rush and sacrifice clarity – that's worse than signing slowly. Aim for smoothness, not breakneck speed.
Can I just sign "how you?" and skip "are"?
Yes, frequently! "HOW YOU?" (signing HOW + YOU) is very common and perfectly grammatical in ASL. It's often smoother and more natural than forcing an implied "ARE." This is a prime example of ASL having its own rules – it's not signed English.
How do I respond to "how are you?" in ASL?
Common responses:
- FINE: Flat hand (like a 'B') taps chest twice.
- GOOD: Flat hand (palm up) moves from chin forward/down slightly (like a thumbs-up concept starting at chin).
- SO-SO: Flat hands (palms down) rock side-to-side in front of body.
- TIRED/BAD/SICK: Learn these specific signs! Then, you usually sign the feeling + THANK-YOU (flat hand from chin forward). It's polite to ask back: YOU? (point back at them).
Are there different signs in other countries (BSL, Auslan)?
Absolutely! British Sign Language (BSL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan), etc., are distinct languages from ASL. The sign for "how are you?" in BSL or Auslan looks completely different. This guide focuses solely on American Sign Language (ASL). Don't assume signs are universal!
Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan
Knowing how to say how are you in ASL is step one. Using it naturally is the goal. Here's your cheat sheet:
- Pick the Right Version: Standard? Casual? Concerned? (Refer to the table above).
- Nail the Signs: Practice the handshapes, locations, movements until they feel comfortable (use mirror/recording).
- AMP UP the Expression: Your face is not optional decoration. Practice the matching eyebrows, head tilt, eye contact.
- Sign with Intention: Be present. Focus on the person, not just reproducing hand motions.
- Be Ready to Respond: Learn at least "FINE," "GOOD," "SO-SO," and "YOU?"
- Go Practice for Real: Find opportunities to use it genuinely. Deaf events, Deaf-owned businesses (ask permission if appropriate), ASL practice partners.
It feels awkward at first. Everyone starts there. I still cringe remembering my robotic early attempts. But pushing through that, focusing on connection rather than perfection, is how you move from signing words to having conversations. That moment when you sign "how are you?" naturally and get a warm, engaged response back? That connection makes every bit of practice worth it. Now go try it out!
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