Hand gestures are a universal part of human communication. They help us express feelings, reinforce spoken language, and even convey messages without words. From greetings and approvals to warnings and ewmotions, gestures often say more than speech. This comprehensive list of 100 hand gestures and their meanings list offers clear explanations to help you recognize and understand what each gesture signifies across cultures and contexts.
| No. | Gesture Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Handshake | Greeting or agreement showing respect |
| 2 | Waving Hand | Hello or goodbye |
| 3 | Salute | Respect, often military |
| 4 | Bow with Hands at Side | Respect, apology, or thanks |
| 5 | Hand Over Heart | Sincerity or honesty |
| 6 | Clasped Hands (Front/Behind) | Humility or politeness |
| 7 | Assalam o Alaikum | Respectful Muslim greeting |
| 8 | Thumbs Up | Approval or agreement |
| 9 | Double Thumbs Up | Strong approval |
| 10 | OK Sign | Okay, but offensive in some cultures |
| 11 | Finger Snap | Satisfaction or agreement |
| 12 | Index Finger Point Upward | Attention or number one |
| 13 | Thumbs Down | Disapproval or rejection |
| 14 | Hand Flick Under Chin | Indifference or dismissal |
| 15 | Finger Wagging Side to Side | Warning or disapproval |
| 16 | Palm Outward Stop Sign | Stop or halt |
| 17 | Shaking Fist | Anger or aggression |
| 18 | Facepalm | Frustration or embarrassment |
| 19 | Hands on Hips | Confidence or impatience |
| 20 | Rubbing Hands Together | Excitement or scheming |
| 21 | Crossed Arms | Defensiveness or resistance |
| 22 | Clenched Fists | Anger or determination |
| 23 | Palms Raised Upward | Pleading or openness |
| 24 | Clapping Hands | Appreciation or cheering |
| 25 | Hands Raised in the Air | Celebration or success |
| 26 | Air Fist Pump | Victory or excitement |
| 27 | High Five | Shared celebration |
| 28 | Double High Five | Enthusiastic celebration |
| 29 | Index Finger on Lips | Request for silence |
| 30 | Finger Crossed Over Lips | Keep a secret |
| 31 | Zipper Lips Gesture | Secrecy |
| 32 | Pointing with Index Finger | Indicate direction, rude in some cultures |
| 33 | Whole Hand Pointing | Polite direction indication |
| 34 | Circular Motion with Finger | Turn around or repeat |
| 35 | Pointing Down | Downward direction |
| 36 | Gyan Mudra | Knowledge and balance in meditation |
| 37 | Prayer Hands Upward | Devotion or supplication |
| 38 | Cross Sign with Fingers | Christian blessing |
| 39 | Sign of the Horns | Rock culture or protection |
| 40 | Hand Holding | Connection or love |
| 41 | Blowing a Kiss | Affection or flirtation |
| 42 | Heart Shape with Hands | Love or care |
| 43 | Gentle Pat on Back | Support or congratulations |
| 44 | Peace Sign | Peace or victory |
| 45 | Finger Guns | Playful greeting or compliment |
| 46 | Shaka Sign | Hawaiian “hang loose” |
| 47 | Air Quotes | Quoted speech or sarcasm |
| 48 | Finger Tapping Temple | Thinking or intelligence |
| 49 | Chin Stroke | Deep thought or curiosity |
| 50 | Finger Up with Expression | Sudden realization |
| 51 | Thumbs Up and Nod | Approval and encouragement |
| 52 | Open Palm Forward Nodding | Supportive invitation |
| 53 | Finger Tapping Table | Impatience or waiting |
| 54 | Drumming Fingers | Boredom or anxiety |
| 55 | Hand Over Mouth Talking | Dishonesty or nervousness |
| 56 | Open Palms While Speaking | Honesty or trust |
| 57 | Finger Counting | Counting or organizing ideas |
| 58 | Air Drawing with Finger | Visual description |
| 59 | Italian Finger Purse | “What do you want?” |
| 60 | Greek Moutza | Insult |
| 61 | Thumb Between Fingers | Vulgar in some cultures |
| 62 | Raised Hand in Meeting | Request to speak |
| 63 | Two Fingers Raised | Calm agreement or end |
| 64–73 | Fingers Raised 1–10 | Show numbers 1–10 |
| 74 | ASL ‘I Love You’ Sign | Affection |
| 75 | ASL ‘Thank You’ | Gratitude |
| 76 | Hands Thrown Up | Surrender or disbelief |
| 77 | Open Arms Wide | Welcoming or exaggeration |
| 78 | Hands Behind Back | Control or contemplation |
| 79 | Hands in Pockets | Shyness or casualness |
| 80 | Waving Both Hands | Urgent help needed |
| 81 | Crossed Forearms | Stop or resistance |
| 82 | Texting Thumb Movement | Mobile texting |
| 83 | Tap Fingers on Wrist | Asking for time |
| 84 | Hands Near Ears | Speak louder or hearing issue |
| 85 | Flat Palm Across Forehead | Smart or intelligent |
| 86 | One-Handed Shrug | Confusion or uncertainty |
| 87 | Palm Down Finger Tapping | Request for payment |
| 88 | Finger Circling Near Ear | Suggesting “crazy” |
| 89 | Hand Rubbing Chin Quickly | Urgency or impatience |
| 90 | Backhand Slap Motion | Threatening gesture |
| 91 | Raised Hand to Volunteer | Volunteering |
| 92 | Hands Pressed on Cheeks | Surprise or shock |
| 93 | Finger Over Eyebrow | Skepticism or sarcasm |
| 94 | Finger Over Lips and Nose | Contemplation |
| 95 | Palm on Forehead Tap | Trying to recall |
| 96 | Palm Out Defensive | Blocking or resisting |
| 97 | Crossing Hands Over Chest | Personal space or refusal |
| 98 | Group Fist Bump | Team spirit |
| 99 | Handshake + Pat on the Back | Friendly agreement |
| 100 | Interlocked Fingers | Emotional bond or trust |
🤝 Common Greeting and Politeness Gestures
1. Handshake
A traditional greeting or agreement gesture in many cultures, showing respect and trust.
2. Waving Hand
Used to say hello or goodbye. The motion may be slow and friendly or quick and excited.
3. Salute
A sign of respect, especially used in military settings.
4. Bow with Hands at Side
Seen in Japan and Korea, it expresses respect, apology, or thanks.
5. Hand Over Heart
A gesture of sincerity, honesty, or emotional truth.
6. Clasped Hands (in Front or Behind)
Shows humility or a polite stance during formal settings.
7. Assalam o Alaikum
Muslims greet and it’s the best greeting by wishing good prayers to the person. Most respectful!!
👍 Approval and Agreement Gestures
8. Thumbs Up
Means “good job,” “okay,” or “I agree” in many cultures.
9. Double Thumbs Up
An even stronger sign of approval or enthusiasm.
10. OK Sign (Thumb and Forefinger Forming a Circle)
Represents “okay” or “all is well” in most Western countries. Be cautious: in some places, it’s offensive.
11. Finger Snap
Often expresses “that’s it!” or satisfaction with an idea or solution.
12. Index Finger Point Upward
Used to make a point, get attention, or indicate number one.
👎 Disapproval and Negative Gestures
13. Thumbs Down
Universal sign of dislike, disapproval, or rejection.
14. Hand Flick Under Chin (Italian ‘Chin Flick’)
In some countries, it means “I don’t care” or “get lost.”
15. Finger Wagging Side to Side
A warning or disapproval, often used with children or in scolding.
16. Palm Outward Stop Sign
Means “stop” or “halt” — a clear signal to pause or back off.
17. Shaking Fist
An angry or frustrated gesture, often expressing aggression.
✋ Emotion-Based Gestures
18. Facepalm
Covering face with the hand to show frustration or embarrassment.
19. Hands on Hips
Displays confidence, readiness, or sometimes impatience.
20. Rubbing Hands Together
Can mean excitement, eagerness, or scheming.
21. Crossed Arms
Sign of defensiveness, resistance, or closed-off emotions.
22. Clenched Fists
Shows anger, determination, or tension.
23. Palms Raised Upward
Symbolizes pleading, asking for help, or openness.
🙌 Applause and Celebration Gestures
24. Clapping Hands
Used to applaud, show appreciation, or cheer.
25. Hands Raised in the Air
A celebration or signal of success — often seen in sports or concerts.
26. Air Fist Pump
Expresses victory, excitement, or motivation.
27. High Five
Shared celebratory gesture meaning “well done” or “we did it!”
28. Double High Five
Even more enthusiastic version of the high five.
🤫 Silence and Secrecy Gestures
29. Index Finger on Lips
Universal for “shhh” or requesting silence.
30. Finger Crossed Over Lips
Also signals “keep it a secret” or a vow of silence.
31. Zipper Lips Gesture
Moving hand across mouth as if zipping lips closed — suggests secrecy.
👉 Direction and Indication Gestures
32. Pointing with Index Finger
Used to show direction, people, or objects — but rude in some cultures.
33. Whole Hand Pointing (Palm Facing Up)
More polite way of indicating direction or location.
34. Circular Motion with Finger
Can mean “turn around,” “repeat,” or to indicate spinning or dizziness.
35. Pointing Down
Indicates something on the ground or a downward direction.
🧘♂️ Cultural and Religious Hand Gestures
36. Gyan Mudra (Thumb and Index Touching in a Circle)
Used in meditation, symbolizes knowledge and balance.
37. Prayer Hands Upward
A sign of devotion, supplication, or spiritual connection.
38. Cross Sign with Fingers
Symbol of Christianity or blessing.
39. Sign of the Horns (Index and Pinky Raised)
Used in rock culture, and also as a protective gesture in some traditions.
✨ Romantic and Caring Gestures
40. Hand Holding
Represents connection, love, or comfort.
41. Blowing a Kiss
Gesture of affection or playful flirtation.
42. Heart Shape with Hands
A popular symbol for love and care.
43. Gentle Pat on Back
Shows support or congratulations.
🤟 Friendly and Casual Gestures
44. Peace Sign (V-Shape with Index and Middle Finger)
Symbol of peace or victory, often casual.
45. Finger Guns
Playful gesture used to greet or compliment.
46. Shaka Sign (Thumb and Pinky Extended)
Hawaiian gesture meaning “hang loose” or “be cool.”
47. Air Quotes (Two Fingers Flexed Like Quotation Marks)
Indicates quoted speech or sarcasm.
🧠 Thinking and Intelligence Gestures
48. Finger Tapping Temple
Means thinking, idea, or intelligence.
49. Chin Stroke
Shows deep thought or curiosity.
50. Finger Up with Facial Expression
Signals sudden realization or a new idea.
👏 Encouragement and Support Gestures
51. Thumbs Up and Nod
A combined sign of approval and encouragement.
52. Open Palm Forward While Nodding
An inviting or supportive gesture.
🔁 Repetitive or Habitual Gestures
53. Finger Tapping Table
Shows impatience or waiting.
54. Drumming Fingers
Boredom, anxiety, or impatience.
✍️ Communication and Expression Gestures
55. Hand Over Mouth While Talking
Can imply dishonesty or nervousness.
56. Open Palms While Speaking
Indicates honesty, openness, and trust.
57. Finger Counting
Used to count or organize ideas visually.
58. Air Drawing with Finger
Used when trying to describe something visually.
✈️ Cultural-Specific or Unique Gestures (Examples Across the World)
59. Italian Finger Purse (Fingers Together Facing Up)
Means “What do you want?” — very expressive in Italian culture.
60. Greek Moutza (Palm Forward, Fingers Spread)
Offensive gesture used to insult.
61. Thumb Between Index and Middle Finger (Fig Sign)
Considered vulgar in some countries.
⌚ Professional and Workplace Gestures
62. Raised Hand in Meeting
Asking to speak or signal participation.
63. Two Fingers Raised for “Peace” in Meetings
A polite way to end or agree calmly.
🔟 Number Gestures (1 to 10 Fingers)
64–73. Fingers Raised to Show Numbers 1–10
Universal way to count or show quantity non-verbally.
✋ Sign Language-Based Common Gestures
74. ASL ‘I Love You’ Sign (Thumb, Index, and Pinky Raised)
Popular sign from American Sign Language showing affection.
75. ASL ‘Thank You’ (Hand From Chin Outward)
Gesture for gratitude in sign language.
🎭 Expressive Dramatic Gestures
76. Hands Thrown Up in Air
Indicates surrender, disbelief, or exaggeration.
77. Open Arms Wide
Welcoming, dramatic storytelling, or exaggeration.
👋 Body Language With Hands
78. Hands Behind Back
Signals control or contemplation.
79. Hands in Pockets
Might suggest shyness or casual posture.
🆘 Urgent or Warning Gestures
80. Waving Both Hands Frantically
Urgent need for help or attention.
81. Crossed Forearms
Signal to stop, protect, or resist.
📱 Modern Digital Age Gestures
82. Texting Thumb Movement
Rapid thumb movement symbolizes mobile texting.
83. Tap Fingers on Wrist (Watch Tap)
Signals time or asking for the time.
🧏 Inclusive Gestures
84. Hands Near Ears (Cupped)
Requesting someone to speak louder or indicate hearing issues.
85. Flat Palm Sliding Across Forehead
ASL for “smart” or intelligent.
🧩 Miscellaneous Gestures
86. One-Handed Shrug (Palm Up)
Symbolizes confusion or uncertainty.
87. Palm Down with Finger Tapping Palm
Asking for payment (money gesture).
88. Index Finger Circling Near Ear
Suggesting someone is “crazy” (can be rude).
89. Hand Rubbing Chin Quickly
May signal urgency or impatience.
90. Backhand Slap Motion
Threatening or disciplinary gesture.
🌍 Universal Gestures Recognized Globally
91. Raised Hand to Volunteer
Common in schools and discussions.
92. Hands Pressed on Cheeks
Surprise or shock.
93. Finger Over Eyebrow Pulling Skin Down
Skepticism or sarcasm.
💡 Thoughtful and Cognitive Gestures
94. Finger Over Lips and Nose Bridge
Deep contemplation or decision-making.
95. Palm on Forehead Tap
Trying to recall something.
🛑 Blocking or Refusal Gestures
96. Palm Out in Defensive Position
Blocking or resisting.
97. Crossing Hands Over Chest
Personal space or saying “no.”
👬 Group or Bonding Gestures
98. Group Fist Bump
Shows team spirit and unity.
99. Handshake + Pat on Back
Friendly business gesture of agreement.
100. Interlocked Fingers With Another Person
Signifies deep emotional bond or trust.
Conclusion
Understanding hand gestures and their meanings can greatly improve communication in personal, social, and professional settings. While many gestures are universal, others vary by culture — so it’s always wise to consider the context. This 100 hand gestures and their meanings list is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of non-verbal language, helping you become more expressive and culturally aware.
For educational, cultural, or creative use, this guide serves as a helpful reference — whether you’re a traveler, student, teacher, or just curious about human behavior.
