Here is the high-quality, comprehensive listicle article on "wish in asl".
American Sign Language (ASL) is a language of breathtaking expression, where emotion and meaning are painted in the air. It’s a language not just of the hands, but of the face, body, and heart. When you want to share a heartfelt wish with a friend, family member, or colleague in the Deaf community, the goal isn't to translate English words verbatim. Instead, it's about conveying a complete concept—a feeling, a hope, a celebration—in a way that is visually and emotionally resonant.
This guide is designed to help you move beyond simple phrases and craft beautiful, meaningful wishes in ASL for any occasion. Whether you're recording a video message, writing a card that will be translated, or signing in person, these ideas focus on the concepts and sentiments that will make your message truly shine. Think of these as a starting point to express your unique feelings for the wonderful people in your life.
Birthday Cheers & Celebrations in ASL
A birthday is all about celebrating an individual. In ASL, this is done with bright facial expressions and signs that emphasize joy, personal connection, and, of course, the fun of getting another year older!
1. Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day.
*(Sign HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Then: YOUR DAY, I-HOPE WONDERFUL.)*
2. So excited to celebrate you today! Happy Birthday!
*(Use both hands to sign EXCITED, directed toward the person. Follow with CELEBRATE YOU, TODAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY.)*
3. Happy Birthday! May your next year be your best one yet.
*(Sign HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Then: YOUR FUTURE YEAR, I-HOPE BEST.)*
4. How old are you? Doesn't matter, you look great!
*(Sign HOW-OLD? Then wave it away dismissively with a smile. Sign YOU LOOK-GOOD with an appreciative nod.)*
5. Thinking of you on your birthday and sending you love.
*(Point to temple and then to person for THINKING-OF-YOU. Then sign SEND LOVE, often by kissing your fingertips and moving them toward the person.)*
6. Let the party begin! Happy Birthday!
*(Sign PARTY START! with excitement. Then a big, smiling HAPPY BIRTHDAY.)*
7. It’s an honor to be your friend. Happy Birthday.
*(Sign YOUR FRIEND, I FEEL HONOR. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.)*
8. Wishing you a day filled with laughter and cake.
*(Sign I-WISH YOUR DAY FULL LAUGH and then mimic eating cake with a fork: EAT CAKE.)*
9. Another year older, another year more amazing!
*(Sign OLD++, WOW, BECOME MORE AMAZING.)*
10. Cheers to you on your special day!
*(Mimic clinking glasses together with "A" handshapes for CHEERS. Then: HAPPY BIRTHDAY.)*
Heartfelt "Get Well Soon" & Healing Wishes
When someone is unwell, a message of support can make all the difference. These wishes focus on concepts of strength, patience, healing, and gentle support. The tone should be soft, with sincere facial expressions.
1. Thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon.
*(Sign THINKING-OF-YOU. Then: I-HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER SOON.)*
2. Sending you strength and positive energy for your recovery.
*(Sign I-SEND-YOU STRENGTH and POSITIVE ENERGY. The sign for energy can be shown flowing from you to them.)*
3. Please take care of yourself. We miss you.
*(Sign PLEASE, TAKE-CARE. WE MISS-YOU.)*
4. Wishing you a fast and easy recovery.
*(Sign I-WISH YOU HEAL FAST, EASY.)*
5. So sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Rest up!
*(Sign I-HEAR YOU SICK, I'M-SORRY. REST. With emphasis.)*
6. Your health is most important. Don't worry about anything else.
*(Sign YOUR HEALTH IMPORTANT. OTHER-THINGS, DON'T-WORRY.)*
7. I'm here for you. Let me know if you need anything at all.
*(Sign I SUPPORT-YOU. YOU NEED ANYTHING, PLEASE, LET-ME-KNOW.)*
8. Hoping you are back on your feet soon.
*(Sign I-HOPE SOON YOU RECOVER, FEEL-GOOD-AGAIN.)*
Celebrating Milestones & Achievements
From graduations and promotions to engagements and new homes, milestones deserve big celebrations. ASL is perfect for conveying pride and excitement with strong, clear signs and celebratory expressions.
1. Congratulations! I am so proud of you.
*(Sign CONGRATULATIONS! Then bring a hand to your chest and move it up for PROUD-OF-YOU.)*
2. Wow! You did it! Your hard work paid off.
*(Sign WOW! YOU FINISH! YOUR HARD-WORK PAY-OFF. The sign for "pay-off" can be shown as SUCCESS.)*
3. Wishing you all the best on your new adventure.
*(Sign I-WISH YOU BEST, NEW-FUTURE or NEW-JOURNEY.)*
4. You earned this success! Congratulations!
*(Point to the person: YOU EARN SUCCESS. CONGRATULATIONS!)*
5. Cheers to your graduation! The future is yours.
*(Sign CHEERS-TO YOUR GRADUATION. THE-FUTURE, YOURS.)*
6. So thrilled to hear your amazing news!
*(Sign YOUR NEWS, I-HEAR, I-FEEL THRILLED/EXCITED. The sign for THRILLED can be shown with wiggling fingers moving up the chest.)*
7. This is just the beginning of your success. Keep shining!
*(Sign THIS ONLY START. YOU WILL-CONTINUE SHINE.)*
8. Congratulations on your new job! They are so lucky to have you.
*(Sign CONGRATULATIONS NEW JOB! THAT COMPANY LUCKY-HAVE-YOU.)*
Holiday Greetings for Every Season
Holidays are about warmth, community, and joy. These messages capture the spirit of various holidays, focusing on universal themes of peace, love, and happiness.
1. Merry Christmas! Hope your day is full of joy.
*(Sign MERRY CHRISTMAS. I-HOPE YOUR DAY FULL-OF JOY.)*
2. Happy New Year! Wishing you peace and happiness in the year to come.
*(Sign HAPPY NEW YEAR. I-WISH YOU PEACE, HAPPINESS FUTURE YEAR.)*
3. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
*(Sign HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Point to them, then sign YOUR FAMILY.)*
4. Wishing you a warm and cozy holiday season.
*(Sign I-WISH YOU WARM, COMFORTABLE HOLIDAY SEASON.)*
5. May your holidays sparkle with moments of love and laughter.
*(Sign I-HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS SPARKLE/SHINE, FULL-OF LOVE, LAUGHTER.)*
6. Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so grateful for you.
*(Sign HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I-FEEL THANKFUL FOR-YOU.)*
7. Peace on Earth. Happy Holidays.
*(Sign PEACE, WORLD. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.)*
Expressing Sympathy & Support
Offering condolences requires gentleness and sincerity. In ASL, a soft touch on the arm, prolonged eye contact, and empathetic facial expressions are just as important as the signs themselves.
1. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
*(Sign SORRY, you can use the "S" handshape circling over your heart. I-HEAR YOUR LOSS. THINKING-OF-YOU.)*
2. My heart is with you and your family during this difficult time.
*(Place your hand on your heart: MY-HEART WITH-YOU and YOUR FAMILY.)*
3. There are no words. Just know that I am here for you.
*(Shake your head sadly, sign WORDS NONE. But I SUPPORT-YOU.)*
4. Sending you love and peace.
*(Sign I-SEND-YOU LOVE, PEACE.)*
5. Remembering [Name] with love. They were a wonderful person.
*(Sign I-REMEMBER [finger-spell name]. I-FEEL LOVE. THEY WONDERFUL PERSON.)*
6. Please accept my deepest condolences.
*(Use a very sincere facial expression and sign PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEP SORROW/SYMPATHY.)*
7. Take all the time you need. We are holding you in our hearts.
*(Sign TAKE-TIME, DON'T-RUSH. WE HOLD-YOU IN-OUR-HEARTS.)*
### Make Your Wish Your Own
Remember, the most powerful messages come from the heart. These phrases are a foundation, but the true magic happens when you add your personal touch. Let your facial expressions show your genuine feelings—a wide smile for a birthday, a look of sincere pride for an achievement, or gentle empathy for a loss. In the beautiful, visual world of ASL, your authentic emotion is the most important part of any wish.