How to Say I’m Sorry in Sign Language is something I deeply wanted to understand, especially because my audience includes beginners, ASL learners, and anyone who wants to express emotions without words. And today, I want to talk to you directly because if you’re reading this, I know you’re searching for a simple, heartfelt way to apologize using your hands.
Let me start with a quick story.
A few months ago, I met a little girl at a community event who couldn’t speak but communicated beautifully through sign language. I accidentally stepped on her drawing, and before I could even think of the right words, she gently placed her hand on her chest and moved it in a small circular motion her way of saying “I’m sorry.” That moment hit me. Apologies aren’t about language; they’re about sincerity.
So in this guide, I’ll help you learn exactly how to express “I’m sorry” in Sign Language with confidence, clarity, and genuine emotion just like she did.
“I’m Sorry” in Sign Languages Around the World
| Sign Language | Motion Description | Cultural Note |
| ASL (American) | Rub circular motion with right “A” hand over heart | Emphasizes sincerity from the heart; very common in emotional apologies |
| BSL (British) | Two-finger “L” shape taps chest twice | More formal, almost like knocking on the door of the heart |
| LSF (French) | Open palm circles over heart (similar to ASL) | Historically influenced many other sign languages |
| Auslan (Australian) | Same as BSL (taps chest) | Reflects British colonial influence |
| JSL (Japanese) | Bow slightly + right fist in left palm in front of chest | Deeply tied to cultural bowing; sign alone feels incomplete without the bow |
| KSL (Korean) | Both palms on chest, slight bow | Respect and hierarchy are embedded even in the apology gesture |
| Libras (Brazilian) | “S” hand circles heart then extends forward | Warm, expressive feels like giving the apology away |
| ISL (International) | Open hand circles heart (used at UN, Olympics, etc.) | Designed to be cross-culturally understood |
| Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) | Similar to LSF but often smaller circle | Québécois culture values subtlety in emotion |
| NZSL (New Zealand) | Tap chest twice + Māori influence (head bow optional) | Beautiful blend of British sign and indigenous respect gestures |
| SSL (South African) | Palm to heart + slight forward lean | Influenced by many local spoken languages and apartheid-era reconciliation |
| TİD (Turkish) | Fist rubs heart in circle | Mirrors spoken “özür dilerim” which literally means “I desire your mercy” |
European Spoken Languages & Apology Culture
- French – “Je suis désolé(e)” or simply “Pardon” The French distinguish between “pardon” (minor bump) and “désolé” (genuine regret). Saying “excusez-moi” while looking away is almost offensive eye contact is non-negotiable.
- Spanish – “Lo siento” (“I feel it”) Literally “I feel your pain.” In Spain and Latin America you’ll hear “perdón” for small things, but “lo siento mucho” when someone is truly heartbroken.
- Italian – “Mi dispiace” (“It displeases me”) Italians often accompany it with a hand over the heart and a slight head tilt almost a mini sign-language gesture.
- German – “Es tut mir leid” (“It does sorrow to me”) Direct and heavy. Germans value precision; a half-hearted “sorry” feels worse than silence.
- Russian – “Извини / Простите” (Izvini / Prostite) Choice of word depends on formality and how badly you messed up. “Prostite” can feel like begging for forgiveness.How to Say I’m Sorry in Sign Language
Asian Languages
In many Asian cultures, saying sorry is less about the word and more about restoring harmony.
| Language | Phrase | Literal Meaning / Insight |
| Mandarin | 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) | “I failed to face you correctly” – huge emphasis on “face” |
| Japanese | ごめんなさい / すみません | Gomennasai = child-like remorse; Sumimasen = “this will never finish (being inconvenient)” |
| Korean | 미안해요 / 죄송합니다 | Mianhaeyo (informal, intimate); Joesonghamnida (formal, hierarchical) |
| Hindi | माफ़ कीजिए (Maaf kijiye) | “Do the act of forgiving me” rooted in respect |
| Arabic | آسف / عذرًا (Āsif / ‘Afwan) | “Āsif” carries the sense of deep sorrow; often repeated three times for seriousness |
| Thai | ขอโทษ (khǎaw thôot) | Literally “request punishment” shows humility |
| Vietnamese | Xin lỗi | “Ask for wrong” always said with clasped hands or a small bow |
African Languages
In many African societies, apology is collective healing.
| Language | Phrase | Insight |
| Swahili | Samahani / Pole | “Pole” literally means “sorry for your sorrow” – used even when it’s not your fault |
| Zulu | Ngiyaxolisa | Often accompanied by clicking sounds and a lowered gaze |
| Yoruba | E má binu | “Please don’t be angry” – focuses on calming the other person rather than self-blame |
| Amharic | ይቅርታ (Yiqirta) | Deeply tied to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian forgiveness rituals |
| Hausa | Yi hakuri | “Exercise patience with me” apology and plea rolled into one |
Indigenous & Island Languages
- Māori (New Zealand) – “Aroha mai” Literally “love toward me.” Apology and a request for love at the same time.
- Hawaiian – “E kala mai ia‘u” “Release me from the fault.” Forgiveness is seen as untying a knot.
- Cherokee – “ᏙᎯᏊ ᏚᏳᎾᏙᎯᏙᎲ (Dohiquu duyuna dohido v)” Roughly “I am in a bad place because of this.” Emphasis on shared emotional space.
- Samoan – “Fa‘ato‘ese” Often said while presenting a fine mat (symbol of reconciliation) in the traditional ifoga ceremony.How to Say I’m Sorry in Sign Language
Cultural Insights & History
The English word “sorry” comes from the Old English “sarig” meaning “pained” or “distressed.”
The oldest known written apology may be from ancient Mesopotamia (c. 2400 BCE) on a clay tablet: a merchant writing to a customer that his copper ingots were of poor quality and begging not to be cursed.
In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, asking forgiveness from God and from people is ritualized (Yom Kippur, Confession, Istighfar).
In Shinto Japan, misogi (purification rituals) often follow apologies to kami (spirits).
Famous Proverbs About Saying Sorry
- Japanese: “The stake that sticks up gets hammered down” implies apologize quickly before pride causes bigger problems.
- Yoruba: “A child who says sorry after breaking the pot will still eat from it tomorrow.”
- Spanish: “Quien no pide perdón, no tiene vergüenza ni razón.” (He who does not ask forgiveness has neither shame nor reason.)
- Arabic: “الاعتذار يرفع الرأس” “The apology raises the head.”
- Hawaiian: “He ‘olina leo kā ke aloha.” “Joy is in the voice of love” (often said after forgiveness is granted).How to Say I’m Sorry in Sign Language
FAQs :
Why do so many languages use a form of “forgive me” instead of “I’m sorry”?
Because in collectivist cultures, the focus is on repairing the relationship, not just expressing personal regret.
What’s the oldest recorded apology?
The Mesopotamian tablet from ~2400 BCE remains the earliest known written apology in history.
Is it true some cultures don’t have a direct word for “sorry”?
Inuit languages traditionally lacked a direct equivalent because harm was repaired through action (helping rebuild an igloo, sharing food), not words.
Final Thought
Whether it’s the circling hand of a deaf child in America, a deep bow in Japan, a repeated “pole pole” in Kenya when someone is grieving, or the tearful “lo siento mucho de verdad” whispered in a Mexican hospital room every culture on this planet has found a way to say:“I see your pain, and I wish I hadn’t added to it.”
Luna-Gracelyn, the creative mind behind Lingoow.com, writes with passion and clarity.
As a professional author, she simplifies complex topics for readers worldwide.
Her work inspires, educates, and connects people through powerful, easy-to-understand content.
