25 Common ASL Phrases | ASL Basics | American Sign Language for Beginners

Learn how to sign 25 Common Phrases in ASL. This video includes 25 of the most common phrases that we've done in past videos. This is a great resource for learning several conversational phrases in a short amount of time.
Having trouble retaining all of the info? Watch it regularly or even slow the video down.
We try to do phrases at the end of all of our videos. If you're just getting started check out our 150 signs playlist. It includes 20+ phrases including ones that you didn't see in this video! • 150 Essential ASL Signs
DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT OUR CHANNEL?
BUY MERCH: learnhowtosign...
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: eepurl.com/hfQY_X
MAKE A DONATION: paypal.me/Lear...
LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE: All of these things really help our videos get in front of more people.
A lot of these specific sentences aren't necessarily common, but the format and structure is. Make your own sentences by plugging in other vocabulary that you know.
NAVIGATION
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - 1. Hello! My name is Meredith.
1:16 - 2. His name is Brian
1:43 - 3. What’s up?
2:01 - 4. How are you?
2:10 - 5. I'm fine.
2:21 - 6. Today, I'm feeling really sad.
2:40 - 7. Nice to meet you.
2:52 - 8. Sorry, I don't understand. Please slow down.
3:15 - 9. Please sign that again.
3:30 - 10. Yes, I understand. Thank you.
3:46 - 11. Yes, I'm learning ASL.
4:13 - 12. See you later
4:24 - 13. How can I help you?
4:36 - TEACHING: Conversational Etiquette
5:01 - 14. What time is it?
5:15 - 15. It's 3:15.
5:28 - 16. When will you be home?
5:47 - 17. My birthday is August 19th.
6:05 - 18. The test is on Friday.
6:17 - 19. I have 2 dogs and 1 cat.
6:39 - 20. My grandma is 87 years old
6:57 - 21. I love your _______ (Purse)
7:16 - 22. Who is your teacher?
7:32 - 23. Where is my book?
7:46 - 24. My favorite sports are basketball, volleyball and gymnastics.
8:25 - 25. I would like the pancakes and sausage
8:42 - All done!
#ASLphrases #LearnHowToSign #LearnASL

[@SpaceStationJukebox]

I'm autistic and want to learn asl for when it's hard for me to talk, thank you for these videos

[@art_kitty_1190]

Me too! Although when I heard the part about maintaining eye contact I got worried, Watching peoples hands I can do, faces yesish, but eyes, I don’t do that often, I can’t tell you the colour of half my friends eyes cause I just learn their faces from glances over time but I never really look right at their eyes. ASL is going to make me have to get better with eye contact in some situations 😬

[@KT-xw9su]

Me too!!!! That's why I'm learning!!!

[@Respectfully_Fran]

For my nonverbal autistic son❤

[@sleepystar26]

Me as well

[@nonygart1010]

we can tell yu autistic💀😹

[@mars.star.]

im learning sign language because im 12 and i want to be fluent by the time im 13 so i can speak to my friend with autism who sometimes goes non-verbal i love him so much❤

[@averyhappypieceofpizza957]

I saw A Silent Voice and it made me want to learn sign language. This is a wonderful way of communication. I’m learning Spanish too, so it’s difficult to learn both at once. Keep up the great content, it’s really helpful Edit: I came back to this and had a thought that maybe someone can answer: if you are right handed or left handed, are missing a finger, etc, are those seen as different dialects of a sort?

[@wallyc1349]

I'm learning Spanish and ASL as well...lol.

[@bestgirl1781]

Me too

[@beforeafter3248]

Me to 😂

[@hope5619]

Same!! I love A Silent Voice so much

[@empimena4347]

Yeah me too

[@koa5738]

"Be kind"!! I started learning to sign after I saw a Quiet Place II.;; I was watching the actors' interviews and I was so captivated by their performance haha. I really am pushing to understand and express my thoughts fluently in this beautiful form of communication.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

ASL is really just the coolest!

[@briannanelson7134]

I also was influenced by A Quiet Place! Also Mr. Holland’s Opus!

[@romelbello7661]

same here. I just watched A Quiet Place 2 yesterday and I want to learn to sign right now. This is very important in the future.

[@marinam8414]

i wanted to learn sign languge just bc of the quiet place but i also wanna learn bc my cousin is deaf

[@PandaG051]

That’s was why I am learning sign language too. I saw the quiet place 1 and 2 but I’m not gonna spoil if you haven’t seen it

[@yuya7529]

I work as a front desk agent in a hotel in downtown Toronto, and i started watching your videos 2 months ago. Little did i know i would be using a sign language way sooner than i'd expect, but i was able to communicate with a guest who is deaf today. Thanks to your video i was able to make her day :))))

[@AuthentikosMe]

As a lover of language I recently realized that I was only focusing on spoken languages. Thank you for making these engaging videos. They’ve allowed me to open myself up to communicating with even more people in future.

[@izzy1846]

idk why i wanted to learn asl but I don't regret it at all, its a really interesting and useful life skill, thank you so much for making these videos!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You are welcome.

[@misanthrope8]

Yes, it is like learning a dance or an instrument -- enjoyable and fascinating in and of itself. A kind of magic!

[@Godisfirst21]

I can't believe how much I'm learning in a short time. I love these videos. Thank you so much!

[@ChrisMac87]

When you say maintain eye contact, would it be considered rude to stare at a the hands during an ASL conversation? May be a stupid question, but I am on day 3 of my learning adventure and genuinely don’t know

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Don't stare at hands but keep eye contact with the persons face. The face says so much and you will still be able to see the signs as well. (Blinking is okay)

[@ChrisMac87]

@@LearnHowtoSign thank you so much. I have found I can get a good sense of what the person is saying by expression alone.

[@printer69tom]

@@LearnHowtoSign ." (Blinking is okay)" lol made me laugh boy you got a lot of sweaters, one for every sign of the week lol saying phrases in a different order is going to be my 2nd most toughest part to learn. next to finger spell, i get lost receiving even with spoken spell

[@meshellhughart257]

@@LearnHowtoSign I have difficulties doing that,I have A.D.D.,a Processing Disorder,Brain Damage,some hearing issues in one ear,etc.,and I have to actually mostly focus on people's hands AND face because I read lips(alot),body language,and hands,and often it can be a little hard to fully keep up with more than one of those at a time,especially if someone is mumbling,has a certain natural tone of voice("pitch"?) or their tone/pitch,etc. changes to 1 I can't make out coherent or actual words/full sentences from,an accent I'm not familiar with,or they're wearing a mask,which muffles everything. There are also many other reasons that some have either difficulty or just don't or can't make or maintain eye contact as well,such as(for example),Autism,Aspbergers,Blindness,Processing disorders,the language being spoken to them isn't their first/main language,etc.

[@lostosbourne]

I'm a visual & hands on learner so I love your videos! I've been teaching what I learn to my 8 mo old grandson, He loves watching me & I know soon he will be signing as well. Happy New Year (2022)

[@jessicahernandez6139]

I work for surgical and when we work with ENT surgeons, more often than not some of our patients are deaf, I am so thankful for you since I knew I needed to learn at least the basic. Thank you for all your hard work

[@billy3689]

Keep learning and before you know it you'll be a pro

[@billy3689]

Thank you for going out your way to be able to communicate with your patients

[@misanthrope8]

The frustrating thing is that most deaf people don't know sign language! I think its less than 3% of the deaf and H-o-H people in the U.S that use sign. ;-(. I wish everyone knew some sign! I have met deaf folks who have no interest in signing with me. Bummer! It's such a beautiful kind of art!

[@alleyrxse]

@@misanthrope8wow i didn't even know that! i think sign should seriously be something taught in schools

[@melodycockerham7382]

Thank you so much for these videos! I have a nonverbal grandson (5 years old) and am trying to learn this a long with him. Very helpful!

[@clown2657]

How is he doing?

[@kikicocoa1387]

My niece has Apraxia, and you have helped me so much to communicate with her! I have even taught my family the things that you have taught me. Thank you so much for all that you do!

[@janethoffman7633]

Hi Im in middle school and learning sign for a friend who's deaf and I need to know These words in sign: Im Sorry, Where, When, Thank you, goodbye/See you soon Thank you so much This is really appreciated! -Kat

[@jessmcpherson5392]

I am currently in my ASL 1 class. And I love your videos. I use them to study for my final. Thank you so much for posting these.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Good luck on your final!

[@A-dth6wdh]

I was always interested in ASL but started to seriously learn from your channel and try my best to learn everyday so I can talk with my deaf coworkers

[@warrenstaben6166]

Thank you Meredith. Good to see you again.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Hi Warren! Its always nice to see your kind comments.

[@dennis922]

I am taking an on-line course at my local college. Your videos are incredible..thank you

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Awesome! I hope you are learning a lot!

[@briannanelson7134]

I absolutely love your videos. They are organized in such a great way. Please don’t stop! 😁

[@LearnHowtoSign]

We have so many more coming your way. And thank you.

[@zephiiawoods4157]

This teacher is so sweet and encouraging! It makes it so much easier to understand!

[@user-ij4wr7jo2t]

I'm thankful that I discovered your videos. I have a new student who is deaf and he has no language at all. I'm watching and practicing every day. Thank you.

[@kenfaganjr.7357]

I love the way you teach sign. Definitely the best teacher I have encountered. You convey the material in an incredible way. Thank you so much ❤

[@MissySavvy]

My name is Meredith too which makes this even easier learning how to sign my name! Thank you so much!

[@mamatobz2890]

Video was great I want to teach my new grandson sign language. Parents went to homeschool him and I think a second language that would be beneficial would definitely be sign language thank you!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

ASL would be a great 2nd language!

[@shelybeany]

Tysm! You’re the best YT!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Thank you!

[@darrellgreenfield7646]

your videos have helped me so much i have been sitting down for hours just watching.

[@taitlyncroft8772]

I am learning ASL for a friend of mine who is deaf. This is my go-to channel.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You're a good friend!

[@oliviaraelynn6050]

So informative!!! Thanks to you I've been starting to be able to communicate with my deaf regular customer!

[@alleyrxse]

personally i think asl is one of the most important languages a person should learn. i would LOVE to be fluent. i love these videos so much, thank you so so sooo much

[@17ndead0]

Thank you for the video!!!! 👍

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Thank you for watching.

[@17ndead0]

@@LearnHowtoSign Yw! :)

[@wendypincus2042]

I love your videos. Very helpful to someone who is just starting out.

[@StayHumble86]

I had a friend In High School who was deaf. He had an interpreter and she would help us communicate with him. I was learning a little since we had classes together. I stop learning though, but most of these sign phrases came back to me... I think I will give this a try and learn how to sign language.

[@franny5059]

In my first marriage, my ex-husband‘s immediate family were the only hearing family, but his aunts, uncles and cousins were all deaf mutes so I picked up things here and there & they read lips really well, but I like to make them feel like I care enough to learn, so I’m brushing up With your videos because they will be coming to my house for lunch (they love my 2nd/forever husband) within the next week or two and I think it would be nice to let them know how important they still are to me, because even though they’re my former relatives, they never took sides and you couldn’t meet nicer people if you lived 10 lives, so I want them to feel at home. Thank you, because your videos are very easy to navigate conversational ASL

[@erinpillsbury3067]

I am off work for the summer after surgery and am spending time with you learning sign language. I'm dyslexic and following which hand is the dominant one is really hard whrn both hands are doing things (and you aren't wearing your watch!). It's so helpful when you say "the dominant hand does this..." I look forward to learning more!

[@imtiredhitiredimdad4999]

my childhood friend was deaf and if i could go back, i would’ve learned ASL earlier so she didn’t have to rely on hearing so much to talk to me. i’m gonna make it up to her now, and for any deaf friends i make in the future

[@doodle9981]

im learning sign language after watching a movie called “a silent voice” where a deaf girl is bullied and majority of the class doesn’t want to learn sign, except for one girl. i want to be that one girl if i ever encounter someone who uses sign language to communicate. thank you for these amazing videos that make learning fun and easy.

[@suzyirvin2684]

Idk even how I’m gonna learn all this I love that your teaching how to talk this beautiful language so that people who can’t hear or is hard of hearing as my self learn how to speak or even if you can hear .. I have always been able to speak and hear it’s just been the last 4 to 5 yrs that I became hard of hearing I now have to wear hearing aids in both ears I’m trying to learn because if I need a sec language I have it to help me ... I’ve known some signs because when my daughter was younger there were deaf children parents workers who were deaf and would teach everyone which I think they should add this into every school .. thank you for sharing tho I’m sure I can get it down just gonna take me forever to learn can’t wait for more videos!!

[@SaraRaynor]

Love the clarity and repetition! Thank you!

[@gabbylacotts7249]

I love learning languages,I kinda stoped learning for a while but I'm back now :)

[@arif6003]

I was always curious how to show that you’re finished with your sentence. This really helped me understand … thank you

[@candymakerr4640]

You're a heaven-sent. Thank you. Because of that, I never skip ads. hehe.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

LOL...You're the best!

[@DianeH-ms5md]

Loving these videos.

[@nina_beans]

Thank you so much for this video! My college doesn't have extra help for ASL because _just enough_ people take the ASL class for there to be a class. Thank you for including the glossing!

[@zulypalma682]

My God!! You are an excellent teacher!!. Thank you! Very much.

[@xAlecto]

Oh boy, the eye contact politeness tip going to be hard... It's hard to do that normally, but I "cheat" by glancing between eyes and their lips when it's oral talking. I wonder if that would also work with ASL signers, glancing between eyes and hand signing. Thank you for including tips like politeness levels/tips! I'm learning other languages too where it's important, so it's good to know what are polite/informal.

[@meshellhughart257]

I do it too,but eye contact is hard for me entirely. I read Lips(alot of my deaf,etc. Friends/Family will also mouth their words,etc. as they sign,and it also helps me force my processing disorder to function like it's actually supposed to function),Whole Faces,and Body Language,it can be a brain burn out for My A.D.D.,etc. to have to do all at once sometimes though,so I mostly read hands and lips. I've never had anyone that mostly or fully uses A.S.L.(or just speaking in general,which is mostly when I'm mainly reading lips and body language) call me or take it as being rude or inattentive.

[@trixiarosales4727]

Yehey I'm early because I subcribe to your KZbin channel and I click the notifications bell I'm I give a big stam up 👍 because I love asl sign

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Yay!!!!!!!!

[@clown2657]

Thank you so much for theses videos! I don’t really need to learn asl but I want to just in case I come across a deaf person and I want to communicate with them. ASL is such an interesting language

[@mimipoo33]

pov: it’s my birthday, i’m sitting in my room and watching these videos. I’m gonna remember all of it on some random day and do the same LMAO. This video helped SO MUCH

[@erikae2100]

You are a great instructor!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Thank you. You are too kind.

[@fatimaumar1240]

ur video r the best it helps me so much to learn a new language thank u so much

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Glad we could help!

[@ruffryderpriful]

Hello my name. Is Camiya and just. Wanted to say thank you. For making these videos cause love to learn new sighns everyday with you in the

[@PmgrWa]

Love how you make it so easy to understand!

[@vernaspence8811]

Good evening I do appreciate all of your help I am learning ASL thanks very much

[@vernaspence8811]

Keep up the good work

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Thank you!!!

[@SustyStyla]

I love your channel! Would it be possible for you to sign as you talk about the lesson - besides the lessons themselves? Thank you!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Signing and talking (called simultaneous communication) is great sign support but doesn't teach correct ASL structure. We'd love to make future video by doing voice off learning.

[@wegoteverythingforya2781]

I AM GLAD I SUBSCRIBED TODAY, NOW I CAN LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE

[@mohanarajesh3703]

I am in fantasy world learning with you this beautiful language. Got bored with noisy chattering, let me Meditate with Asl. Thank you, Meridith

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You're most welcome!

[@emilyalmond1295]

I’m learning this for myself to learn a new way of communicating and it’s been a great experience. Have you found places where you have used ASL outside of work/videos?

[@LearnHowtoSign]

There are tons of professions that use ASL. Others are learning it for friends, family and neighbors.

[@user-bf1fn4ei1t]

This is great thank you!

[@kimberlydavis5034]

I'm learning as much as I can possibly. I'm deaf in one ear and my other ear is been giving me problems. So I'm learning beginners ASL so I'm able to communicate with others even though I can't always hear what their saying to me.

[@manuelnona2919]

Hey Meredith, I would appreciate if you tried to make a video about actions people do, example, sit, read, walk, run, etc. If you can't do it, it's alright!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

That's a great idea. We'll add it to the list.

[@girlonaswing9439]

I am trying to learn asl too. It's just been on my heart to know it. I don't know any deaf people but maybe soon.😊

[@ruffryderpriful]

And I just wanted to say learn so much from these videos. And I thank you for teaching me :)

[@robertbroad4434]

Your videos are awesome. Thank you.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Thanks for watching!

[@hannahwine838]

I became interested in sign language after watching the serySue Thomas FBEye! Love the videos!

[@tomking2613]

thank you.. and marry Christmas ( happy holidays

[@savagecarat]

thank you for uploading very useful and easy to learn content! i can easily learn it in a few minutes! keep up the awesome work!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You're very welcome!

[@SonOfGod-i2c]

Day 1 of learning

[@mistercody3935]

Can we get a more advanced version of this... maybe 25 more common phrases/questions.... responses... etc.?

[@LearnHowtoSign]

I don't know if it's more advanced, but we did just release a video on Questions and Responses. There's around 15 phrases and 30 signs in it.

[@jenniferbernon1858]

Thank you so much for doing these videos, they are helping me so much

[@LearnHowtoSign]

So happy we can help.

[@stopthegop4894]

Ideally deaf people should teach ASL, it is their native language. Too many deaf people have been denied the opportunity to teach when hearing are given preference.

[@Ephesians--ih5fl]

Who denied them the opportunity? You're here watching and she or deaf people are free to make a video on KZbin. Seriously!!

[@nicoleholte9486]

Both my ASL teachers in high school were deaf. It was one of the few classes I actuality enjoyed going to. I don't think anyone is denying deaf people the opportunity to teach. I think the bigger challenge would be having the patience to deal with other people's bratty children.

[@louieilsent]

I have a question! By watching the video, I can't find the difference between the hand motions of "understand" and "don't understand." Please clarify this please, I want to learn more about ASL. Thank you

[@meshellhughart257]

"Don't Understand"= You shake your head "No" and make a sad face while making the sign. "Do Understand"= You nodd your head "Yes" and smile while making the sign.

[@louieilsent]

Oh so the sign is same but the only difference was the facial expression! Thank you 😊

[@nelle671]

I appreciate your videos sooo much! They're great and super helpful! Thank you!!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You are so welcome!

[@AT-so2ks]

Your videos are an excellent resource. My personal request is that music not be used in the background. It takes our attention away from our ability to focus on the signs and your explanations. Thank you.

[@Improvemypronunciation]

yay, this was great!

[@Mistyeyez2024]

Tysm! This helps so much!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

I'm so glad!

[@ashleshapandit151]

Love the video! But could you show some hand movements that haven't been mentioned earlier, in slow-mo or really closely? It would be helpful! Thanks!

[@halfblood_girl]

Thank you so much , it helped me a lot

[@LearnHowtoSign]

So glad!

[@CheeseRoach890]

Had a 5th grade teacher that taught the class asl but it sadly didn't stick with me, now that I'm older I'm wanting to learn again :)

[@Rose-ez8lo]

You know i am trying to learn asl and you are really helping thank you so mush

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You got this!

[@destinypowers1146]

do you have food signs, the measurements for cooking and different kitchen signs? also daily basic signs? ty

[@kittkat6692]

im trying to learn asl because my hearing is not very good and i feel it's also a great thing to learn but im autistic and eye contact and facial expressions are hard for me, im trying my best with the facial expressions but the eye contact is very hard and a lot of times impossible for me to do, it's very uncomfortable and if im forced to i can't think of anything else or focus on conversations even in speaking conversations... do you have any suggestions so i dont seem rude

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Great question. In ASL the best phrase to start with is "ME LEARN ASL ME". This will give you some space with conversations. Keep at it so you can feel more comfortable.

[@oscaroscarin1067]

I got interested in asl after watching switched at birth now I'm hooked❤❤❤

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Its a good one! And glad you are here learning.

[@Esther-j6f]

Thanks ❤❤❤

[@hannahdyckman5797]

I have two deaf friends t school I'm so exited to tell them I'm learning ASL when I get back from break

[@rvega8876]

Thank you for these lessons!

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You are welcome!

[@RatsPicklesandMusic]

I'm Autistic too!! So I'm hoping deaf people won't think I'm rude if I'm not making eye contact. 😬

[@screameureka7029]

i would look at their face or behind them, as long as you can focus on the signs :] 'sorry, no eye contact me' is pretty easy to learn as well

[@lucgregory4652]

You are a good teacher

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Thank you!

[@dougarvidson3533]

I have an unusual question. I lost the upper half of my index finger in a logsplitting accident. Will this shortage (pardon the pun) cause problems with communicating or is there a work around?

[@Pigeonsoupx]

Is it normal in casual conversation to repeat I/me/you/etc at the beginning and the end of a statement? It seems very formal

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You’re right it is a more formal text book way if signing. It is common in casual conversation to leave the “closing signal” out. It is helpful sometimes to let the other person know when you’re done. It’s pretty common with questions.

[@serenaaurelle]

Love this video!

[@timo5532]

Can't find link to news letter.

[@rozamingulam2953]

I love your t-shirt ❤️❤️❤️

[@LearnHowtoSign]

I love it too!!

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

I really want to learn to sign since I have a cousin who is deaf and wears cochlear implants. We have two ladies at our church who sign the services on Sunday on Facebook. They are beautiful to watch!

[@meshellhughart257]

Actually,sometimes not making or maintaining eye contact can be/is very difficult for many people with communication difficulties/delays,and/or disabilities. It's not allways meant to be rude or non-attentive.

[@SkySpiral8]

I think in that case it’s ok to look at the person generally(face/hands)

[@inscop520]

When introducing oneself, if your name can be signed rather than finger-spelled, is that normal? For instance, my name, Ray, can be signed like a ray of light coming down. Is that normal or is finger-spelling the preferred intro?

[@LearnHowtoSign]

Great question. It is important to fingerspell you name because sign names are used in the deaf community and can only be give by deaf people to others. Then when introducing yourself you would sign your name and then then sign name given to you.

[@lindaloo206]

Closed Captions would be nice with all of your videos, please and thank you.

[@elliottenorio8772]

These videos are very usefull............ Love that t-shirt.

[@LearnHowtoSign]

I wear it constantly.

[@omarramirez1215]

Thank you so much! 🙌

[@LearnHowtoSign]

You're welcome!

[@mineart7426]

Day 1 : learnt the 20+ phrases video, mostly greetings Day 2 : wanna learn a part of this video, maybe I'll be learning it for 3-7 days as I think

[@evagalvez1047]

very well