About Japanese Sign Language
Japanese Sign Language (日本手話, Nihon Shuwa) is the native sign language used by the deaf community in Japan. Unlike written or spoken Japanese, JSL has its own grammar and syntax, making it a complete and distinct language rather than simply a signed form of Japanese.
Learning JSL can help bridge communication gaps and promote inclusivity. This gallery provides a visual reference for common signs used in everyday communication.
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こんにちは (Hello)
Right hand open, palm facing forward, raised to head level.
ありがとう (Thank you)
Touch your chin with fingertips of one hand, then extend forward.
はい (Yes)
Closed fist with thumb extended, nod up and down.
いいえ (No)
Index finger wagging side to side.
お願いします (Please)
Both hands together in prayer or asking position.
名前 (Name)
Index and middle fingers of both hands coming together.
食べ物 (Food)
Hand motion mimicking eating from bowl to mouth.
水 (Water)
W handshape tapped at chin, like drinking.
家族 (Family)
Both hands showing connection and group.
友達 (Friend)
Two index fingers coming together side by side.
仕事 (Work)
Both fists making alternating downward motions.
学校 (School)
Both hands open, palm down, moving up and down.
Japanese Sign Language Alphabet
Learn the Japanese Sign Language alphabet with our comprehensive visual guide below.
あ in sign language
あ in sign language
う in sign language
え in sign language
お in sign language
か in sign language
き in sign language
く in sign language
け in sign language
こ in sign language
さ in sign language
し in sign language
す in sign language
せ in sign language
そ in sign language
P in sign language
ち in sign language
つ in sign language
て in sign language
と in sign language
な in sign language
に in sign language
ぬ in sign language
の in sign language
は in sign language
ひ in sign language
ふ in sign language
へ in sign language
ほ in sign language
ま in sign language
み in sign language
む in sign language
め in sign language
も in sign language
や in sign language
ゆ in sign language
よ in sign language
ら in sign language
り in sign language
る in sign language
れ in sign language
ろ in sign language
わ in sign language
を in sign language
ん in sign language
