Daily focus
Archive Replay
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Sign of the Day
bar
The BSL sign for "bar" uses a 'C' handshape moved horizontally. It represents both a drinking establishment and a physical rod or barrier. Context is key for meaning
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Dominant hand forms a 'C' shape, fingers curved and thumb open
Moves horizontally across the space in front of the body
Used for a pub, a counter, or a physical rod/barrier
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form 'C' handshape, palm inwards
- Place hand mid-chest to shoulder height
- Move hand horizontally across body
- Repeat movement briefly
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'bar' referring to a pub, then a physical barrier. Note the context difference
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a 'C' shape, fingers curved and thumb open · Code C-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm usually faces inwards or slightly down
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'Bar' mouth pattern
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
I went to the bar for a drink
Can refer to a pub, a counter, or a physical barrier/rod. Context clarifies the specific meaning
Best fit: Used for a pub, a counter, or a physical rod/barrier
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'bar' referring to a pub, then a physical barrier. Note the context difference
Catch the slip
Ensure the handshape is a clear 'C' and the movement is horizontal, not vertical or circular
Use it today
I went to the bar for a drink
Common mistakes: Confusing with similar handshapes or signs for 'cafe'
When not to use it: When referring to 'bar' as a verb (e.g., to prevent) or legal context
Regional note: Minor variations in exact height or movement extent, but core sign is widely understood
Cultural note: Pub culture is significant in the UK, making this a common sign
1.[en] Let's meet at the bar. / BSL:[Sign 'BAR' (pub)]
2.[en] The window has a metal bar. / BSL:[Sign 'BAR' (physical object)]
3.[en] He leaned on the bar. / BSL:[Sign 'BAR' (counter)]
Connect the Dots
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Word web
Pub
rod
counter
barrier
Home
office
Drink
alcohol
pub
counter
rod
Pub
Drink
Counter
Cafe
Rod
The sign for 'BAR' uses a 'C' handshape moving horizontally. This differs from 'CAFE', which uses a 'C' handshape often tapping the non-dominant palm, or 'DRINK' which uses a 'C' handshape moving towards the mouth. 'BAR' focuses on the horizontal expanse or structure
Food & Drink
objects
architecture
establishment
Bar
pub
counter
rod
barrier
BSL
sign language
Architecture
Food & Drink
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