Hand Gestures Meanings in English

Hand gestures are a powerful part of everyday communication. This guide lists common hand gestures and their meanings in English with pictures, helping you understand how body language supports spoken words. From a thumbs-up to a peace sign, you’ll learn useful gestures used around the world. Boost your vocabulary and cultural awareness by recognizing these simple but meaningful non-verbal signals.

List of Common Hand Gesture and Hand Signs Names

• Thumbs Up
• Peace Sign
• Wave
• Pointing
• OK Sign
• Clapping
• Fist Bump
• High Five
• Handshake
• Facepalm
• Fingers Crossed
• Raised Hand
• Palm Out
• Beckoning
• Hands on Hips

Types of Hand Gestures Names in English

1. Emblematic Gestures

These gestures have specific, culturally recognized meanings that can replace words.

• Thumbs up
• Peace sign
• OK sign
• Waving hand
• Middle finger gesture

2. Illustrative Gestures

These support speech by visually representing what’s being said.

• Showing size with hands
• Pointing in a direction
• Outlining a shape with fingers
• Mimicking an action with hands

3. Affective Gestures

These reflect feelings or emotions, often unconsciously.

• Clenching fists
• Hands covering face
• Shaking hands nervously
• Placing hand on heart

4. Regulative Gestures

These manage conversation flow or regulate interactions.

• Raising a hand
• Palm facing outward
• Pointing at someone
• Finger gestures to “come here”

5. Adaptive Gestures

These are self-touching gestures often done unconsciously to relieve stress or tension.

• Touching hair repeatedly
• Biting nails
• Fidgeting with fingers
• Rubbing palms together

6. Cultural-Specific Gestures

These hand gestures carry different meanings in different cultures.

• OK sign
• Thumbs up
• Beckoning with a single finger
• Clapping hands once

Hand Gestures with Positive Meanings

• Thumbs up
• Peace sign
• OK sign
• Waving hand
• Fist bump
• High five
• Crossed fingers
• Hand over heart
• Two thumbs up
• Victory sign

10 Negative Hand Gestures to Avoid

• Thumbs down
• Middle finger gesture
• Finger pointing aggressively
• Chin flick gesture
• Fig sign (closed fist with thumb between fingers)
• Palm-out stop sign (in some cultures)
• “Come here” finger wave (in Asia)
• Backhanded V-sign (UK, Australia)
• Eye poke gesture
• Slapping one’s palm

Hand Gestures Names and Emoji Signs with Meanings and Uses

Gesture Name	Sign	Meaning	Common Use
Selfie Gesture	🤳	Taking a photo of yourself	Representing selfies
Flexed Biceps	💪	Strength, power	Showing off strength
Leg Gesture	🦵	Movement, strength	Used in fitness or body representation
Foot Gesture	🦶	Steps, motion	Walking, kicking, or foot-related contexts
Pinching Fingers	🤏	Small amount	Showing precision
Pointing Left	👈	Direction	Indicating something to the left
Pointing Right	👉	Direction	Highlighting something to the right
Index Up	☝	One or important point	Emphasizing an idea or rule
Pointing Up	👆	Attention or emphasis	Referring to content above
Pointing Down	👇	Direction	Referring to content below
Peace Sign	✌	Peace or victory	Friendly gesture
Crossed Fingers	🤞	Wishing good luck	Hoping for a positive outcome
Vulcan Salute	🖖	Sci-fi greeting	“Live long and prosper” from Star Trek
Rock On Gesture	🤘	Rock culture, excitement	Celebrating or enjoying music
Call Me Gesture	🤙	Suggesting a phone call	Friendly, chill vibe
Hand with Fingers Spread	🖐	Stop or openness	Teaching or signaling attention
Raised Hand	✋	Stop or participation	Asking to speak or stopping someone
OK Sign	👌	Approval, agreement	Saying “okay” or “good job”
Thumbs Up	👍	Approval, positivity	Agreeing or encouraging
Thumbs Down	👎	Disapproval, rejection	Disagreeing or showing dislike
Raised Fist	✊	Power, resistance	Solidarity in protests
Fist Bump	👊	Respect, friendly greeting	Greeting or celebrating casually
Left-Facing Fist	🤛	Unity or fist bump	Used in a double fist bump gesture
Right-Facing Fist	🤜	Unity or punch motion	Completing a fist bump
Back of Hand Raised	🤚	Attention or refusal	Saying “stop” or “wait”
Waving Hand	👋	Greeting or farewell	Saying “hello” or “goodbye”
I Love You Gesture	🤟	Love, ASL for “I love you”	Showing affection or friendliness
Clapping Hands	👏	Applause, congratulations	Praising or celebrating someone
Open Hands	👐	Welcome or offering	Openness, generosity, or sharing
Palms Up Together	🤲	Asking, prayer	Requesting or spiritual gesture
Folded Hands	🙏	Gratitude, prayer	Saying thank you or praying
Handshake	🤝	Agreement, unity	Making deals or mutual respect

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