Daily focus
Archive Replay
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Sign of the Day
machine
The sign depicts the grinding gears or cogs of a mechanical device. Two hands with bent index and middle fingers mimic rotating parts, conveying the concept of a machine
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Index and middle fingers extended, slightly bent; other fingers curled
Repeated circular grinding motion
Describing any mechanical device or system
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 bent V-hands
- Place hands facing each other at chest level
- Perform repeated circular grinding motions
- Keep hands near but not touching
Coach prompt
Practice the repeated circular motion with bent V-hands at chest level
Signature details
Handshape
Index and middle fingers extended, slightly bent; other fingers curled · Code V-bent
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Palms face each other, rotating
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
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.
The machine broke down yesterday
Can be modified for specific machines, e.g., 'washing machine'
Best fit: Describing any mechanical device or system
Mirror focus
Practice the repeated circular motion with bent V-hands at chest level
Catch the slip
Ensure both hands maintain the bent V-shape and perform a synchronized circular motion
Use it today
The machine broke down yesterday
Common mistakes: Using a single hand, incorrect handshape, or linear movement
When not to use it: When referring to 'machinery' as an abstract concept
Regional note: Minor variations in circular motion size or speed
Cultural note: Reflects the gears and cogs of early mechanical devices
1.[en] I bought a new machine. / BSL:[NEW MACHINE I-BOUGHT]
2.[en] The machine is broken. / BSL:[MACHINE BROKEN]
3.[en] What kind of machine is it? / BSL:[WHAT KIND MACHINE IT?]
What is the BSL sign for machine?
It involves two hands with index and middle fingers extended and slightly bent, performing a repeated circular grinding motion at chest level.
How do you sign machine in BSL?
Hold both hands with index and middle fingers bent, facing each other at chest height. Then, make repeated circular motions as if grinding gears.
Is machine one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'machine' in BSL is typically a two-handed sign, with both hands performing the action simultaneously.
What handshape is used for machine in BSL?
The handshape for 'machine' uses both hands with the index and middle fingers extended and slightly bent, while the other fingers are curled into the palm.
How does machine differ from similar signs in BSL?
It's distinct from 'work' (fist tapping wrist) or 'system' (interlocking fingers), primarily by its unique bent V-handshape and repeated circular grinding movement representing mechanical parts.
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Word web
Apparatus
device
engine
mechanism
Manual work
nature
human
Tool
robot
system
technology
Engine
Robot
Computer
Technology
Factory
The sign MACHINE (bent V-hands, repeated circular grinding) is distinct from WORK (dominant B-hand taps non-dominant wrist with a fist) which denotes effort or employment. It also differs from SYSTEM (interlocking C-hands moving upwards), which is more abstract. The key differences are handshape, location, and the specific rotational movement for MACHINE
Technology
industry
invention
Machine
mechanism
engine
mechanical
BSL
Industry
Come Back Tomorrow
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