7 Secrets To Signing "Good Morning" In ASL And BSL You Never Knew

Learning how to sign "Good Morning" is one of the most fundamental and essential steps in beginning your journey into American Sign Language (ASL) or any other sign language. This simple greeting sets the tone for daily interaction and immediately shows respect and engagement with the Deaf community. It is crucial to understand that signing is not merely a word-for-word translation of English; it is a full, vibrant language that incorporates handshapes, movement, location, and critical non-manual markers (NMMs).

As of December 2025, mastering this sign requires more than just knowing the hand movements; it involves understanding the cultural context and the vital role of facial expressions to convey the true meaning, whether you are making a statement or asking a question. We will break down the precise, up-to-date steps for the ASL sign, explore its variations, and even touch upon the distinct approach used in British Sign Language (BSL) to provide complete topical authority on this universal greeting.

The Definitive Guide to "Good Morning" in American Sign Language (ASL)

In American Sign Language, the phrase "Good Morning" is typically conveyed by combining the signs for "GOOD" and "MORNING." However, in casual, everyday conversation, the sign for "MORNING" is often sufficient, with non-manual markers (NMMs) carrying the "good" meaning. For beginners, learning the two-part phrase is the most clear and complete way to communicate the greeting.

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Breaking Down the Two-Part Sign: GOOD + MORNING

To execute the full "Good Morning" sign, you must perform two distinct movements in sequence: the sign for 'GOOD' followed by the sign for 'MORNING'.

Step 1: The Sign for "GOOD"

• Handshape: Use a flat hand, also known as a 'B' handshape, for your dominant hand.
• Movement: Start with your dominant hand positioned at your chin, palm facing inward.
• Location: Move the hand downward and forward, ending the sign by placing the dominant hand's fingertips into the palm of your non-dominant hand (which is held flat, palm up).
• Meaning: This movement signifies that something is pleasing or positive.

Step 2: The Sign for "MORNING"

• Handshape: Keep the dominant hand in a flat handshape.
• Movement: Place your non-dominant arm across your body horizontally, palm down, representing the horizon.
• Location: Rest the fingertips of your dominant hand on the back of your non-dominant wrist or forearm.
• Movement: In a single, smooth motion, lift your dominant hand upward from the non-dominant arm until it is vertical, palm facing you. This symbolizes the sun rising above the horizon.
• Meaning: This sign specifically represents the time of day between sunrise and noon.

When you combine these two signs—GOOD then MORNING—you are communicating the full, positive greeting. The fluidity and natural pace of the movement are key to proper execution.

Non-Manual Markers: The Secret Language of ASL Greetings

One of the most common mistakes hearing people make when learning ASL is neglecting the power of Non-Manual Markers (NMMs). NMMs are facial expressions, head movements, and body posture that are just as vital to the grammar and meaning of a sign as the handshapes themselves. For the greeting "Good Morning," NMMs are critical for conveying nuance and intention.

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Transforming a Statement into a Question

The sign for "MORNING" alone can function as the full greeting "Good Morning." However, your face determines if you are making a positive statement or asking a question:

• "Good Morning" (Statement): To convey a warm, affirmative statement, you should accompany the sign with a slight smile and a gentle nod of the head. This adds the positive connotation of "good" to the time of day.
• "Is it morning?" or "Morning?" (Question): To transform the sign into a question, you must use raised eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward while signing. This non-manual marker changes the sign from a statement to a yes/no question.

The cultural context of ASL emphasizes direct eye contact and clear facial expressions, which are essential for ASL literacy. Failing to use NMMs can make your signing feel flat, impersonal, or even grammatically incorrect to native signers.

Expanding Your Vocabulary: Time-Specific Greetings and Alternatives

Topical authority in sign language requires more than just one phrase; it involves understanding the system of time-specific greetings. Once you master "Good Morning," you can easily learn the other time-of-day greetings, as they all share the foundational sign for 'GOOD' combined with a different time sign.

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1. Good Afternoon

The sign for "AFTERNOON" is a slight variation of the "MORNING" sign. You start with your non-dominant arm across your body (the horizon), but instead of the dominant hand moving from the bottom up, the dominant hand starts near the middle of the non-dominant arm and moves downward, symbolizing the sun descending from its peak position. Combining 'GOOD' + 'AFTERNOON' completes the greeting.

2. Good Evening / Good Night

The sign for "NIGHT" is a simple, single sign. You cup your dominant hand and bring it down to rest on the back of your non-dominant hand, which is held flat. This symbolizes the sun being entirely below the horizon. The full phrase "Good Night" is typically signed as 'GOOD' + 'NIGHT'. Many signers will also use the sign for "NIGHT" alone as a casual farewell or greeting in the evening.

3. The Simple "Hello" and "How Are You?"

For a quick, universal greeting that works at any time of day, the sign for "HELLO" is indispensable. It involves placing your dominant hand (flat or 'B' handshape) at your temple or forehead and moving it outward in a salute-like motion. An even more common and engaging greeting is "How are you?" which is a fundamental phrase in the Deaf community and often replaces the time-specific greetings in casual settings.

A Glimpse Across the Pond: "Good Morning" in British Sign Language (BSL)

It is a common misconception that sign languages are universal. In reality, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are two entirely different languages, possessing distinct vocabularies, grammar, and regional variations.

If you are communicating in the United Kingdom, you must use BSL signs. The BSL sign for "Good Morning" is unique and unrelated to the ASL sign, often involving a combination of the 'GOOD' sign (which is also different from ASL's 'GOOD') and the 'MORNING' sign. BSL learners must specifically focus on BSL resources to learn these greetings accurately, ensuring that they are not using ASL signs in a BSL-speaking environment, which would lead to a communication breakdown.

Mastering the Art of Signed Greetings

Learning how to sign "Good Morning" is more than just memorizing a handshape and movement; it’s an entry point into a rich, visual language and culture. By focusing on the two-part structure (GOOD + MORNING), the critical role of Non-Manual Markers (NMMs), and the distinction between global sign languages like ASL and BSL, you establish a strong foundation for communication.

Practice the fluidity of the rising sun motion, pay attention to your facial expressions, and always remember that a simple smile and eye contact are universal signs of respect and positivity in any conversation. Consistency in practice will lead to automaticity, allowing you to greet others effortlessly and connect with the Deaf community on a deeper, more meaningful level.