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Learn to use this endearing emoji over text, TikTok, Twitter, and more
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Did you know that the sweet, caring šŸ«¶ (heart hands) emoji actually has a few different meanings? It can represent love and affection, but it may also mean something else based on the context of the message someone sends you. We're here to break down what it means, how to use it with friends and loved ones, and how to respond to it when you see it in a text or social media message.

Things You Should Know

  • The šŸ«¶ emoji stands for love, affection, kindness, appreciation, joy, support, and positivity.
  • Use the šŸ«¶ emoji to tell someone you love them or send support and encouragement.
  • Alternatively, use the šŸ«¶ emoji to express thanks to someone you care about or talk about something you really enjoy.
Section 1 of 4:

What does the šŸ«¶ (heart hands) emoji mean?

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  1. When someone sends you the šŸ«¶ (heart hands) emoji, it may signify how much they love you. This emoji can be exchanged between friends, family members, or romantic partnersā€”it applies to all kinds of love and closeness. Itā€™s a way to say, ā€œI care for you a lot, and I want you to know just how much!ā€[1]
    • ā€œHey you! This is your daily reminder that I love you šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œI miss you! šŸ«¶ Just wanted you to know that Iā€™m thinking of you.ā€
  2. When youā€™re having a bad day or feeling nervous about something, a caring loved one might send you the šŸ«¶ emoji along with a supportive message. The šŸ«¶ emoji is a symbol of comfort, encouragement, and kindness![2]
    • ā€œIā€™m sorry you had a rough day! Iā€™m here for you šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œAnything I can do to help? All you need to do is ask! šŸ«¶ā€
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  3. Someone feeling grateful or appreciative might send you the šŸ«¶ emoji as a way to express themselves. The šŸ«¶ emoji can mean, ā€œThank you!ā€ or ā€œI appreciate you and everything you do for me.ā€ Itā€™s often specifically used by loved ones to send appreciation to one another.[3]
    • ā€œThank you so much for your help yesterday. Youā€™re a lifesaver! šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œI donā€™t know what Iā€™d do without you!! šŸ«¶ā€
  4. The šŸ«¶ isnā€™t always used to express love to someone ā€”some people use it to express their love for something. A friend might send you the šŸ«¶ emoji when theyā€™re talking about something theyā€™re a big fan of (or something that makes them feel super excited).
    • ā€œOMG, I just listened to the new Adele album, and Iā€™m in love! šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œMy gf got me this adorable pair of earrings! I love them so much! šŸ«¶ā€
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use the šŸ«¶ (Heart Hands) Emoji

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  1. Itā€™s always nice to remind someone that you care about themā€”and your loved one will likely appreciate the gesture too! Send a friend, partner, or family member the šŸ«¶ to say, ā€œI love you so much!ā€[4]
    • ā€œSending you love today! šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œWanna know a secret? ā€¦I šŸ«¶ you!ā€
  2. Want to comfort someone or let them know that you believe in them? The šŸ«¶ emoji is an expression of support, so send it to a person who needs a little pick-me-upā€”whether itā€™s a friend, family member, or partner.
    • ā€œHey, you got this! šŸ«¶ Youā€™re gonna do amazing at work today!ā€
    • ā€œGood luck today! Youā€™re the most talented person I know. šŸ«¶ā€
  3. When somebody you care about does something nice for you, send the šŸ«¶ emoji to show your appreciation. Whether youā€™re thankful for their support, a favor they did for you, or youā€™re just grateful to have them in your life, the šŸ«¶ can encapsulate those feelings.
    • ā€œThank you for encouraging me yesterday šŸ«¶ I really needed it!ā€
    • ā€œIā€™m so grateful to have a friend like you! šŸ«¶ā€
  4. Want to tell a friend about your new favorite shirt or a show you just watched and absolutely loved? The šŸ«¶ can be used to express love for whatever cool thing is making you really happy at the moment.
    • ā€œJust got a new sweater, and itā€™s the coziest thing!! Iā€™m so happy with it šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œThe newest Star Wars movie is my favorite so far! šŸ«¶ Wanna watch it with me?ā€
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Respond to the šŸ«¶ (Heart Hands) Emoji

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  1. If someone uses the šŸ«¶ emoji to tell you that they love you and you feel the same, tell them so! You could even send the šŸ«¶ emoji in return, or another kind of heart emoji to convey your feelings.
    • ā€œI love you too!! ā¤ļøā€
    • ā€œAw, youā€™re the sweetest! Love you so much. šŸ’•ā€
  2. When someone sends kind words of encouragement along with the šŸ«¶ emoji, the easiest way to respond is often with a simple ā€œThank you.ā€ Let them know that you appreciate their supportā€”and, if they were comforting you, that their words made you feel a little better.
    • ā€œThank you for being someone I can always count on! šŸ«¶ā€
    • ā€œItā€™s so nice to know youā€™re rooting for me!! šŸ˜Šā€
  3. After getting an enthusiastic ā€œThank youā€ from a loved one, let them know you were happy to help! It can feel really nice to help out someone you care aboutā€”and a simple ā€œYouā€™re very welcomeā€ can go a long way toward strengthening your relationship even more.
    • ā€œYouā€™re so welcome! Iā€™m glad I could help. ā¤ļøā€
    • ā€œIt was my pleasure! Let me know if thereā€™s anything else I can do. šŸ˜Šā€
  4. The next time a friend or loved one uses the šŸ«¶ emoji to tell you about something they really love, continue the conversation by showing interest in what they've told you. If you have an opinion on the subject, share that tooā€”maybe the two of you will discover a new interest that you have in common!
    • Them: ā€œJust discovered Ted Lasso, and I love it! šŸ«¶ Have you seen it?ā€
    • You: ā€œYeah! So glad you like itā€”whoā€™s your favorite character?? šŸ˜Šā€
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Section 4 of 4:

Similar Emojis

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  1. Although the šŸ«¶ emoji depicts two hands rather than an actual heart symbol, the two hands are forming a heart shapeā€”which was a popular gesture of affection long before it became an emoji.[5] Therefore, the šŸ«¶ emoji can be used interchangeably with the different hearts in your emoji library, including:
    • ā¤ļø (red heart emoji)
    • šŸ’• (two hearts emoji)
    • ā£ļø (heart exclamation emoji)
    • šŸ’– (sparkling heart emoji)
    • šŸ’ (heart with ribbon emoji)
    • šŸ’Ÿ (heart decoration emoji)
    • šŸ’‘ (couple with heart emoji)
    • šŸ’ž (revolving hearts emoji)

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About This Article

John Keegan
Reviewed by:
Dating Coach
This article was reviewed by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 68,956 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: October 16, 2023
Views:Ā 68,956
Categories: Emoticons and Emojis
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