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Thursday, February 20, 2025
Sign of the Day
try
The BSL sign for 'try' involves a dominant A-hand pushing forward from the chest area, often repeated, accompanied by an 'effort' non-manual
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms a fist with the thumb resting across the fingers
Dominant hand pushes forward from the body, often repeated
Used in contexts of attempting a task, making an effort, or testing something
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form an A-handshape (fist with thumb across fingers)
- Place dominant hand near dominant shoulder/chest
- Push the hand forward in a short, linear motion
- Repeat the forward push once or twice quickly
Coach prompt
Focus on the correct A-handshape and the repeated forward pushing movement. Ensure your facial expression matches the effort
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a fist with the thumb resting across the fingers · Code A
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward or slightly down
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'pu' or 'puff' (showing effort)
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 will try to learn BSL
The repetition of the forward push often indicates ongoing effort or multiple attempts
Best fit: Used in contexts of attempting a task, making an effort, or testing something
Mirror focus
Focus on the correct A-handshape and the repeated forward pushing movement. Ensure your facial expression matches the effort
Catch the slip
Pay attention to handshape accuracy and the essential repetition of the movement. Verify facial expression for effort
Use it today
I will try to learn BSL
Common mistakes: Not repeating the movement, or using a flat handshape
When not to use it: Not for 'try on clothes' (use WEAR/TEST) or 'try food' (use TASTE)
Regional note: Minor
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] I will try. / BSL:[Signer signs 'I' then 'try']
2.[en] Let's try again. / BSL:[Signer signs 'us' 'try' 'again']
3.[en] He tried his best. / BSL:[Signer signs 'he' 'try' 'best']
When would a learner use the BSL sign for try?
A learner would use this sign to express making an effort, attempting a task, or experimenting with something new. It's versatile for general 'try' contexts like 'I'll try to do it' or 'try this method'.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing try in BSL?
Beginners often forget to repeat the forward pushing movement, which is crucial for conveying ongoing effort or an attempt. They might also use an incorrect handshape, such as a flat hand instead of the A-hand (fist).
Does the BSL sign for try change by region or context?
While the core sign for 'try' is widely understood across the UK, there can be minor regional variations in the exact starting position or the intensity of the repetition. However, the A-handshape and forward push remain consistent.
Is the BSL sign for try suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, the BSL sign for 'try' is very suitable for beginners and children. It's a common, fundamental verb with a clear handshape and movement, making it relatively easy to learn and incorporate into basic conversations.
Which sign is most often confused with try in BSL?
The sign for 'try' is often confused with 'DO' or 'WORK' due to similar handshapes. 'DO' usually involves a circular movement or a downward push, while 'WORK' often has a repeated tapping motion on the non-dominant hand. 'Try' is a distinct forward push.
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Word web
attempt
endeavor
give it a go
give up
abandon
quit
effort
succeed
fail
practice
do
attempt
effort
succeed
fail
The BSL sign for TRY (A-hand, repeated forward push) differs from DO (A-hand, circular/downward push, often two-handed for 'action'). It's also distinct from EFFORT (A-hand, often stronger, more tense forward push, sometimes with full body engagement) and TEST/EXAMINE (G-hand, index finger brushes palm of non-dominant hand). The key differentiator for TRY is the specific, often repeated, forward push from the chest
effort
attempt
experiment
test
try
BSL try
try sign
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