What Does the ✋ Hand Emoji Mean?

Co-authored by Dan Hickey

Last Updated: March 28, 2022

Intrigued by the meaning of the ✋ (hand) emoji? Also known as the raised hand emoji, this open-palmed symbol can mean a variety of things based on the context of the message you find it in. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to all of its possible meanings—read on to learn more about the ✋ (hand) emoji and how you can use it to spice up your texts!

Section 1 of 3:

✋ (Hand) Emoji Meanings

1
The hand emoji can mean "Stop!" Picture a crossing guard holding up their hand to keep someone from crossing the street. Over text, it means to stop talking or to be quiet. It’s less of a command and more of a joke (emojis are meant to be fun!).^{[1]
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- “Ok that’s enough out of you ✋”
- “Nope! ✋ Don’t go there lol”
2
People also use the hand emoji to say "I agree." All in favor, raise your hand. In a group chat setting, someone might send the ✋ emoji to show they agree with what someone said. It can also mean “me” in response to a question like “Who’s coming?” or “Who's in?”^{[2]
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- “✋ I second what she said!”
- “I’m in! ✋”
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3
The hand emoji also means "I have a question." Not sure what's going on? Use ✋ to signal that you have a question, just like how you raised your hand in school to ask the teacher something. This occurs most frequently in group chats or on video meeting platforms like Zoom, where you can let the host know you have a question without interrupting.
- “Ahem ✋”
- “✋ Hold up, I have a question”
4
The hand emoji can be a High 5! This open-palmed emoji could also symbolize one half of a High 5. Look to see if it’s paired with a compliment or a positive exclamation.^{[3]
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- “Nice job today! ✋”
- “WE WON! ✋”
5
The hand emoji is a way to say "Hey there!" ✋ symbolizes someone waving hello or goodbye. This is the case if it’s paired with a greeting or salutation.
- “Hi Sarah! ✋”
- “See you tomorrow ✋”

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use the ✋ (Hand) Emoji

1
Tell someone to "Talk to the hand" with the ✋ emoji. Because the face don’t wanna hear it! Send ✋ when you want to playfully nudge someone to stop talking or change the subject. Remember, emojis are lighthearted. If you urgently need someone to zip their lips, just say so (without an emoji).
- “✋ I’m not going there right now lol”
- “Don’t start! ✋”
2
Say "Aye!" with the hand emoji when you’re in favor of something. Display your agreement to the whole group chat or everyone in the comments section of a post. Send ✋ to show you agree with what someone said, you volunteer for something, or that they can count on you.
- “I’ll be there! ✋”
- “✋ Pick me! I volunteer!”
3
Raise your hand emoji to say "Hold on, I have a question." Send a raised hand when you need to clarify something or you’re confused. You can pair it with your question, or add a few question marks to indicate you want to be “called on.”
- “✋ So what time are we leaving?”
- “✋??”
4
Tell someone "Awesome job!" with the ✋ emoji. Initiate or reciprocate a virtual High 5 with someone. Add ✋ to a compliment to show you recognize someone’s achievement, or just use it because you’re excited!
- “We’re gonna kill it on stage tonight! ✋”
- “✋ Right back atcha!”
5
Use the hand emoji to say "See ya!" Use ✋ to wave hello when you open a conversation or to say “bye” when you’re wrapping up. Send it first, or use it to reciprocate someone’s virtual wave.
- “Good morning! ✋”
- “Nice talking to you too. Have a great night! ✋”

Section 3 of 3:

✋ (Hand) Emoji Alternatives

Need to switch things up? There are a ton of hand emojis you can choose from to communicate the ideas that ✋ represents. Try some of these to add some fun variety to your messages and posts:
- 🛑 = Stop
- 🙋‍♀️ = Raised hand (“I have a question” or “I agree”)
- 👍 = Thumbs Up (“I agree” or “Sounds good”)
- 🙏 = High 5 (when paired with an exclamation or compliment)
- 👋 = Waving (hello or goodbye)