Please in Sign Language
How to Say “Please” in ASL (With Video & Easy Steps)
Learn “please,” then connect it to everyday ASL
“Please” is useful, but children communicate better when it is practiced with nearby signs such as thank you, help, more, all done, eat, and drink. Use the quick answer here, then move into short daily practice.
- Reviewed by the ASL Kids editorial team on August 15, 2026.
- This is a beginner-friendly ASL guide, not a substitute for personalized language, speech, hearing, or educational advice.
- For accuracy, focus on movement and context rather than a still picture of the sign.
To sign “please” in ASL, place your open hand flat on your chest and move it in a small circle.
This is one of the most useful first signs for children, beginners and families learning American Sign Language.
How to sign “please” in ASL:
- Hold your hand open and flat.
- Place your hand on the center of your chest.
- Move your hand in a small circular motion.
- Keep your face relaxed and friendly.
Want to learn more easy ASL signs?
The ASL Kids app helps children learn American Sign Language by watching real kids sign. It includes beginner signs, fingerspelling and quiz games.
Why “Please” is Important in Sign Language
“Please” is a fundamental sign in American Sign Language (ASL) that is used in various situations to show politeness and respect. It is an essential word to learn, especially if you are communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. Learning to sign “Please” can demonstrate that you are making an effort to communicate effectively and respectfully.
Please in Baby Sign Language
How do you sign “Please” in Baby Sign Language?
The sign for “Please” in Baby Sign Language is exactly the same as in American Sign Language (ASL). The reason for this is that the sign is very easy to perform for young kids. It’s a good idea to teach a young person to show respect as well as consideration for the effort another individual puts forth to help us.
👉 Want to learn more ASL signs?
- Learn 20 basic signs for kids (free printable)
- Try our ASL learning app
Sign language for Thank You
A common response to a question that ends with “Please” is “Thank you”. In American Sign Language (ASL), “Thank you” is a commonly used sign that expresses gratitude and appreciation. To sign “Thank you,”
– You start with your dominant hand open, with your fingers together and your palm facing upward.
– Then, you move your hand towards your mouth and then outward, ending with your palm facing the person you are thanking.
Learning to sign “Thank you” can go a long way in showing respect and appreciation towards deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
This is how you sign “Thank you”:
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Please in British Sign Language
In British Sign Language the sign for “Please” and “Thank you” are very similar to the sign for “thank you” in ASL. The difference is in the speed of the sign and the facial expression.
So the sign for “Please” in ASL is not used in BSL. Confusing isn’t it?! Here is an example:
Do you want to learn more signs like “Please”? Go to our online Sign Language Dictionary.
Or learn the sign language alphabet
What is the difference between please and sorry in ASL?
The sign for “please” is made by placing the flat hand with fingers together near the chest and making a circular motion, as if you were rubbing your chest in a circular motion. This sign indicates a polite request or asking for something politely.
The sign for “sorry” is made by placing an open hand over your heart and making a downward and forward movement. This sign is used to express an apology or to show remorse.
It is important to note that while these signs may be used in similar situations to the English words “please” and “sorry,” they are not exact translations and should be used appropriately in the context of ASL.
Next ASL Kids resources
After learning please, add a few signs that children can use in the same real moments: help, thank you, more, all done, yes, no, and wait.
- Basic Sign Language Phrases for Beginners for short everyday phrases.
- ASL Kids dictionary to look up each sign in context.
- ASL Kids app for video practice and quiz review.
- First 50 ASL Signs for Kids for a printable starter vocabulary list.
- ASL Signs by Routine to practice polite signs during meals, play, classroom transitions, and bedtime.
FAQ: please in sign language
How do you sign please in ASL?
To sign please in ASL, place your open hand flat on your chest and move it in a small circular motion. Keep the movement gentle and natural.
Is please the same sign as sorry in ASL?
No. Please is usually signed with an open hand moving on the chest. Sorry is commonly signed with a fist making a circular motion on the chest.
Can babies learn the sign for please?
Yes. Many families teach please as a polite routine sign after a baby or toddler already understands simple request signs such as more, eat, milk, or help.
Is please in British Sign Language the same as ASL?
No. ASL and British Sign Language are different languages, so the sign for please is not always the same. Use ASL resources when learning American Sign Language.
What should kids learn after please?
Good next signs include thank you, more, help, yes, no, eat, drink, all done, and sorry. Practicing these together helps children use signs in real routines.
