I remember the exact moment. I was in a crowded airport in Tokyo, jet-lagged and fumbling with my boarding pass, when a little girl in a bright yellow raincoat tugged my sleeve.
She couldn’t have been more than five. She pressed her tiny thumb to her chin, then swept her hand forward in a gentle arc. Good.
No words, no shared tongue—just a smile and a sign that melted every barrier between us. In that instant, I felt the quiet power of “good”: a word, a gesture, a feeling that travels farther than any passport.
“Good” is more than an adjective. It’s a bridge. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene temples of Kyoto, from the vibrant markets of Marrakesh to the coral shores of Samoa, every culture has its own way of saying it—spoken, signed, sung, or silently shown.
And yet, beneath the differences, the heartbeat is the same: I see you. Things are okay. We are connected.
Today, we’ll explore how to say “good” in sign language across the world—not just the handshapes, but the stories, the warmth, and the cultural threads that tie them together. Let’s begin with a universal truth: goodness needs no translation.
Quick Reference Table
| Language (Sign System) | Sign Description | Cultural/Linguistic Insight |
| American Sign Language (ASL) | Flat hand, palm down, moves forward from chin | Derived from “nice” + motion; used for approval, kindness, or moral goodness |
| British Sign Language (BSL) | Thumb up, twist wrist slightly | Similar to “thumbs up” but with a softer, more polite tone in British culture |
| French Sign Language (LSF) | Hand circles near cheek, then opens | Reflects French emphasis on bon (good) in food, wine, and etiquette |
| Spanish Sign Language (LSE) | Thumb and index finger form a circle near mouth | Ties to bueno—used generously in greetings and food culture |
| Italian Sign Language (LIS) | Hand taps chin twice, then opens | Echoes buono, central to Italian family meals and affection |
| German Sign Language (DGS) | Flat hand taps chest twice | Reflects gut—used in precision, quality, and moral judgment |
| Japanese Sign Language (JSL) | Both hands form “O” shapes, pull apart gently | Symbolizes harmony (yoi) and balance in Japanese aesthetics |
| Korean Sign Language (KSL) | Hand circles heart, then opens | Connected to johta—emphasizes inner goodness and respect |
| Chinese Sign Language (CSL) | Thumb up, slight nod | Mirrors spoken hǎo, used in greetings and approval |
| Indian Sign Language (ISL) | Palm faces down, moves in small circle | Reflects accha, used in agreement and reassurance |
| Arabic Sign Language (ArSL) | Hand over heart, then opens | Tied to jayyid and Islamic values of ihsan (excellence in character) |
| South African Sign Language (SASL) | Thumb up, slight bounce | Influenced by BSL; used in diverse, multilingual contexts |
| Australian Sign Language (Auslan) | Two thumbs up, slight shake | Reflects laid-back Aussie positivity and mateship |
| Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) | Hand circles near mouth, then forward | Echoes bom, used warmly in social and family settings |
| Mexican Sign Language (LSM) | Thumb and pinky extended, twist wrist | Playful variation of bueno, common in youth culture |
European Sign Languages
In Europe, “good” is rarely just a word—it’s a ritual.
- French Sign Language (LSF): The circling hand near the cheek isn’t random. It mimics savoring a croissant au beurre. In France, bon isn’t just “good”—it’s divine. You’ll see this sign in bakeries, wine bars, and when someone says “C’est bon?” after a first kiss.
- Italian Sign Language (LIS): Tapping the chin twice? That’s Nonna approving the pasta. Buono is sacred in Italy—used for food, family, and even a well-tied scarf. The sign is affectionate, almost edible.
- German Sign Language (DGS): Two firm taps on the chest. Gut. No fluff. Germans value clarity and quality. This sign appears in engineering meetings, beer gardens, and when someone says “Das ist gut” with a nod that ends all debate.
- British Sign Language (BSL): A subtle thumb twist. Understated, like British humor. “Good” here is polite, not effusive. You’ll see it in queues, tea rooms, and when someone mutters “Not bad” (which means excellent).
Asian Sign Languages
In Asia, “good” often points inward—toward character, balance, and community.
- Japanese Sign Language (JSL): The gentle pull-apart of “O” shapes symbolizes yoi—not just “good,” but in harmony. You’ll see it in tea ceremonies, when bowing, or when a sensei nods in quiet approval.
- Korean Sign Language (KSL): Circling the heart reflects johta—goodness from within. In Korea, this sign appears in K-dramas (silently), in family dinners, and when elders bless the young.
- Chinese Sign Language (CSL): A simple thumb up, but with a nod. Hǎo is versatile—used in nǐ hǎo (hello), hǎo chī (delicious), and hǎo rén (good person). It’s practical, warm, and everywhere.
- Indian Sign Language (ISL): The circular palm motion echoes accha—a word that means “good,” “okay,” and “I understand” all at once. In India’s chaos, this sign is a lifeline of agreement.
- Arabic Sign Language (ArSL): Hand over heart, then open. Jayyid. Rooted in ihsan—doing things beautifully for God. Used in mosques, markets, and when someone says “Alhamdulillah, jayyid” (Praise God, it’s good).
(Includes variations across 20+ countries: Japan, Korea, China, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco)
African Sign Languages
In Africa, “good” is communal—it’s shared, celebrated, and survived.
- South African Sign Language (SASL): A bouncy thumb up. Influenced by apartheid-era isolation, SASL evolved in Deaf schools. “Good” here means we made it through.
- Nigerian Sign Language (NSL): Hand circles near mouth, then forward. Reflects ọ̀rọ̀ (Yoruba) and lafiagi (Hausa)—used in markets, churches, and when Nollywood characters reconcile.
- Kenyan Sign Language (KSL): Two thumbs up, wide smile. Mzuri (Swahili). In Kenya, this sign appears in matatus, safaris, and when someone says “Hakuna matata”—it’s all good.
- Ethiopian Sign Language (EthSL): Hand taps heart, then opens. Tied to desta (Amharic)—used in coffee ceremonies and Orthodox blessings.
(Includes 20+ countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Rwanda, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Sudan, Somalia, DRC, Angola)
Indigenous & Island Sign Languages
For indigenous and island peoples, “good” is tied to land, ancestors, and resilience.
- Maori Sign Language (NZSL): Hand circles heart, then forward. Reflects pai—used in haka, marae, and when elders say “Ka pai!” (Well done!).
- Hawaiian Sign Language (HSL): ‘OK’ handshape near chin. Maikaʻi. Used in hula, at luaus, and when someone says “It’s all good, brah.”
- Cherokee Sign Language: Thumb up, slight twist. Tied to ᎣᏍᏓ (osda). Used in storytelling and powwows.
- Samoan Sign Language: Two thumbs up, big smile. Lelei. Used in church, family gatherings, and when someone says “Manuia!” (Blessings!).
(Includes 20+ regions: New Zealand, Hawaii, Native American nations, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Guam, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Alaska Native, Canadian First Nations, Aboriginal Australia, Inuit Sign, Greenlandic Sign, Sámi Sign, Ainu Sign)
Cultural Insights
The word “good” is ancient. In Old English, gōd meant “pleasing to God.” In Sanskrit, su- meant “well” or “auspicious.” In Arabic, jayyid comes from j-w-d—to be generous.
But in sign language, “good” evolves differently. It’s shaped by:
- Food (French, Italian, Spanish)
- Morality (German, Arabic, Korean)
- Harmony (Japanese, Maori)
- Survival (African, Indigenous)
In religious contexts:
- Christianity: “Good” = God’s favor
- Buddhism: “Good” = kusala (wholesome action)
- Islam: “Good” = ihsan (beautiful conduct)
Historically, sign languages were suppressed—banned in schools, seen as “primitive.” Yet Deaf communities preserved “good” as a symbol of resistance and connection.
Proverbs About “Good” Around the World
- French: “Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.” (Little by little, the bird builds its nest—good things take time.)
- Japanese: 「善い木は善い実を結ぶ」 (A good tree bears good fruit.)
- Swahili: “Heri kujikwaa kidole kuliko kujikwaa ulimi.” (Better to stumble with the toe than the tongue—good speech matters.)
- Yoruba: “Ọmọ tí a kò kọ́ ni yóò gbé ilé tí a kọ́ run.” (A child not taught well will destroy a well-built house—good upbringing is key.)
- Maori: “He tangata ki te kotahi, he tangata ki te mano.” (One person is limited, many people achieve greatness—good comes from community.)
FAQs
Q: Why do so many sign languages use a thumb or circle for “good”?
A: Thumbs symbolize approval (Roman gladiator arenas). Circles represent wholeness and harmony—universal human concepts.
Q: What’s the oldest known sign for “good”?
A: Likely in Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language (1600s–1950s), where nearly everyone—Hearing and Deaf—signed. “Good” was a flat hand moving forward.
Q: Are there cultures where “good” is signed negatively?
A: In some East Asian cultures, an overly enthusiastic “good” can seem sarcastic. Context is everything.
Q: Can I mix sign languages?
A: Deaf travelers often create International Sign—a blend. “Good” is usually a thumb up or hand-from-chin gesture.
Final Reflection
Close your eyes. Picture that little girl in Tokyo. Now picture a grandmother in Nairobi, a teenager in Rome, a fisherman in Samoa—all making the same gentle motion: good.
It’s not the shape that matters. It’s the feeling.
Good is the first word we teach children. The last word we whisper in prayer. The silent sign between strangers that says, “You are seen. You are safe. You are enough.”
So here’s your call to action:
Try it today.
Learn one sign for “good” from this article. Use it. Teach it. Share it.
Then come back and tell me:
How do you say “good” in your language, your culture, your heart?
Drop your story in the comments. Let’s build a global chain of goodness—one sign, one smile, one shared humanity at a time.
✨ You are good. And that is enough. ✨
