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Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Sign of the Day
well
The BSL sign for 'well' (adverb) uses a flat hand, palm up, moving forward with a distinct wrist flick. It conveys successful or competent execution
A1 Common Adverb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked
Hand moves forward and slightly up with a wrist flick
Used when referring to an action or performance done with skill
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Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form a flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked, palm up
- Position hand in neutral space in front of body
- Move hand forward and slightly up
- Finish with a clear wrist flick
Coach prompt
Practice the flat handshape and wrist flick. Focus on smooth movement
Signature details
Handshape
Flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked · Code B-hand (variant)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm up
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouthing 'well' is common
Body shift
None
Use It Today
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He signs well
Indicates competency or a positive outcome of an action
Best fit: Used when referring to an action or performance done with skill
Mirror focus
Practice the flat handshape and wrist flick. Focus on smooth movement
Catch the slip
Ensure the palm is up and the wrist flick is clear, distinguishing it from 'good'
Use it today
He signs well
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'good' or 'fine'
When not to use it: Do not use for a water well or feeling healthy
Regional note: Minor
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] He did well. / BSL:[DO WELL]
2.[en] You sign well. / BSL:[YOU SIGN WELL]
3.[en] She cooks well. / BSL:[SHE COOK WELL]
What is the BSL sign for well?
The BSL sign for 'well' (adverb) describes something performed competently or effectively.
How do you sign well in BSL?
Form a flat hand with fingers together and thumb tucked, palm up. Move the hand forward and slightly up with a wrist flick.
Is well one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'well' (adverb) is a one-handed sign.
What handshape is used for well in BSL?
The handshape used for 'well' is a flat hand with all fingers together and the thumb tucked into the palm.
How does well differ from similar signs in BSL?
'WELL' (adverb) uses a flat hand, palm up, moving forward with a wrist flick. 'GOOD' uses a G-hand moving from the chin outwards. 'FINE' (as in 'I'm okay') uses a flat hand with the thumb tapping the chest.
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Word web
Effectively
correctly
expertly
proficiently
Badly
poorly
incorrectly
Good
fine
successful
quality
good
bad
do
perform
quality
The BSL sign for 'WELL' (adverb) uses a flat hand, palm up, moving forward with a wrist flick. This differs from 'GOOD', which typically uses a G-handshape moving from the chin outwards. It also differs from 'FINE' (as in 'I'm okay'), which uses a flat hand with the thumb tapping the chest. Key distinctions are handshape, palm orientation, location, and specific movement
Proficiency
skill
quality
performance
BSL well
well sign
how to sign well
well adverb BSL
Quality
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