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Archive Replay
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Sign of the Day
thank
The BSL sign for 'thank' uses a flat hand moving from the chest outwards, often with a nod and smile
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral, Child-friendly
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Flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked alongside
Hand moves outwards and slightly downwards from upper chest
Expressing gratitude in daily interactions
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 a B-hand, fingers together, thumb tucked
- Place flat hand on upper chest, palm forward-up
- Move hand outwards and slightly downwards in an arc
- End in neutral space, often with a slight nod
Coach prompt
Practice the handshape and smooth outward movement. Add a natural smile and eye contact
Signature details
Handshape
Flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked alongside · Code B
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Palm faces forward or slightly up
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
Nod (yes)
Mouth morpheme
'Thank you' or 'mum-mum'
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 want to thank you for your help
Often accompanied by a head nod and smile for sincerity
Best fit: Expressing gratitude in daily interactions
Mirror focus
Practice the handshape and smooth outward movement. Add a natural smile and eye contact
Catch the slip
Ensure your palm starts facing forward-upwards and the movement is a clear arc, not just a push
Use it today
I want to thank you for your help
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, lack of non-manuals, wrong movement path
When not to use it: When expressing anger or disagreement
Regional note: Minor variations in movement arc or starting point
Cultural note: Direct eye contact is important when thanking in BSL
1.[en] Thank you for coming. / BSL:[nod, smile]
2.[en] I want to thank you. / BSL:[emphasize sign]
3.[en] Thank you for the gift. / BSL:[sign, smile]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for thank?
A learner would use 'thank' in any situation requiring an expression of gratitude or appreciation, such as after receiving help, a gift, or a service. It's a fundamental politeness sign.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing thank in BSL?
Beginners often forget the non-manual features like a smile and eye contact, making the sign seem insincere. They might also use an incorrect handshape or an unclear movement path.
Does the BSL sign for thank change by region or context?
While the core sign for 'thank' is widely understood, minor regional variations might exist in the exact starting point or the arc of the movement. The meaning remains consistent across contexts.
Is the BSL sign for thank suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, 'thank' is one of the first and most essential signs taught to beginners and children due to its high frequency and importance in daily social interactions. It's simple to learn.
Which sign is most often confused with thank in BSL?
Learners might sometimes confuse 'thank' with 'sorry' or 'please' due to similar handshapes or locations. However, the movement and non-manuals differ significantly. 'Sorry' often involves circular motion.
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Word web
Appreciate
grateful
obliged
Demand
ignore
complain
Please
sorry
welcome
good
Please
Sorry
Welcome
Grateful
Appreciate
THANK vs. SORRY: 'Thank' uses a B-hand moving outwards from the chest. 'Sorry' typically uses an S-hand or A-hand moving in circles on the chest. The movements and handshapes are distinct. THANK vs. PLEASE: 'Thank' is from the chest, outwards. 'Please' often uses a flat hand rubbing in circles on the chest, or a similar handshape moving downwards from the chin
Politeness
courtesy
appreciation
Thank you
gratitude
polite
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