How to Sign Manners in American Sign Language

The Short Answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), "manners" is commonly signed with the same sign as POLITE. Open your dominant hand with all five fingers spread, then tap the tip of your thumb against your upper chest, usually twice. In ASL, the hand you write with is usually your dominant hand. Context and facial expression show whether you mean "polite," "good manners" or "courteous."

The steps below describe the form commonly taught in ASL. They were not checked against a specific dictionary or video for this guide. Regional and personal variations exist, so confirm the sign with a Deaf signer, a qualified ASL instructor or a reputable ASL dictionary that shows video.

Two Things That Change the Meaning

Which sign language: Sign languages are not universal. ASL is used mainly in the United States and parts of Canada. British Sign Language, Auslan and other national sign languages use different signs for the same idea. This guide covers ASL only.

The sign or the etiquette: People who search for "manners in sign language" may want the sign for the word, or they may want to know how to be polite when communicating with signers. The sign is covered first. A short section on conversational etiquette follows.

How to Form the Sign Step by Step

• 1. Use your dominant hand. Form an open "5" handshape: fingers spread and relaxed, thumb extended.
• 2. Turn the hand so the palm faces toward your non-dominant side and the fingers point up or slightly outward.
• 3. Bring the tip of your thumb to the center of your upper chest.
• 4. Tap the thumb against your chest, usually twice, with a small, light movement.
• 5. Keep a pleasant, relaxed facial expression. In ASL, facial expression is part of the meaning, and a sour face can change the tone.

How to Check That You Signed It Correctly

You can review your handshape and placement with a mirror or by recording a short clip on your phone or webcam. In the playback, look for these points:

• The fingers are spread, not held together. A flat hand with closed fingers is a different handshape.
• The thumb, not the palm or the fingertips, touches the chest.
• The contact point is the upper center of the chest, not the chin or the shoulder.
• The movement is a light tap, not a sweeping or circular motion.
• Your face looks neutral or pleasant.

Self-review only shows whether your sign matches the written steps. It cannot show whether your form looks natural to fluent signers or whether a regional variant is preferred where you live. Feedback from a Deaf signer or an ASL instructor is the most reliable check.

Signs Often Confused With It

FANCY uses a similar open handshape at the chest, but it is usually signed with a brushing or circular movement rather than a tap. If your hand drifts or circles, you may be signing something closer to FANCY. PLEASE and THANK YOU are separate signs. Learners often study them alongside POLITE, but they are not substitutes for it.

Good Manners When Communicating in Sign Language

If you meant manners during signed conversation, these are widely recognized courtesies in Deaf communities. Customs can vary between people and settings.

• Get attention appropriately: a gentle tap on the shoulder or upper arm, a wave within the person's line of sight, or a light flick of the room lights is common. Avoid grabbing or startling someone.
• Keep eye contact. Looking away during a signed conversation can come across like ignoring a speaker.
• Do not walk between people who are signing to each other. If you must pass, do it quickly without stopping.
• If someone is using an interpreter, speak directly to the Deaf person, not to the interpreter.
• If you do not understand, ask the person to repeat or fingerspell. That is better than pretending to follow.
• If you know only a little sign language, that is fine. Effort is generally appreciated, and writing or typing can fill gaps.

What This Guide Does Not Cover

No video, dictionary entry or Deaf community source was supplied for this guide. The sign description reflects the commonly taught ASL form, and the regional variants are not documented here. If you need the sign for a specific setting, such as a classroom, an interpreted event or another country's sign language, confirm it with a qualified source in that community before you rely on it.