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Archive Replay
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Sign of the Day
magnet
The BSL sign for 'magnet' visually represents the concept of magnetic attraction using two hands. Both hands form the G-handshape, moving towards each other to touch
A2 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Both hands, index fingers extended, others closed
Two G-hands move towards each other, touching
Discussing science, physics, or specific objects like fridge magnets
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 two G-hands, index fingers extended
- Position hands in neutral space, palms facing each other
- Move hands linearly towards each other until index fingers touch
- Repeat movement briefly to show attraction
Coach prompt
Practice forming two G-hands and moving them together smoothly
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands, index fingers extended, others closed · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Palms facing each other
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Magnet
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 magnet stuck firmly to the fridge door
The movement can be repeated once or twice to emphasise magnetic attraction
Best fit: Discussing science, physics, or specific objects like fridge magnets
Mirror focus
Practice forming two G-hands and moving them together smoothly
Catch the slip
Ensure index fingers are extended and hands meet with light contact
Use it today
The magnet stuck firmly to the fridge door
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'attract' if handshape is not precise
When not to use it: When fingerspelling is preferred for very specific technical terms
Regional note: Standard form, minor regional differences are rare
Cultural note: None specific to this sign
1.[en] I need a magnet. / BSL:[I NEED MAGNET]
2.[en] This is a strong magnet. / BSL:[THIS STRONG MAGNET]
3.[en] Magnets attract metal. / BSL:[MAGNETS ATTRACT METAL]
What is the BSL sign for magnet?
The BSL sign for 'magnet' involves two G-hands (index fingers extended) moving towards each other and touching in the neutral space in front of the torso.
How do you sign magnet in BSL?
Form G-hands with both hands, palms facing each other. Move them simultaneously towards each other until the index fingers lightly touch. This motion can be repeated once.
Is magnet one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'magnet' in BSL is a two-handed sign, performed symmetrically with both hands simultaneously.
What handshape is used for magnet in BSL?
Both hands use the G-handshape, where the index finger is extended and all other fingers are closed into a fist.
How does magnet differ from similar signs in BSL?
'Magnet' (two G-hands touching) differs from 'attract' (often two 5-hands closing) or 'together' (two A-hands meeting). The G-handshape and specific touching movement are key to 'magnet'.
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Word web
Attraction
pull
magnetism
Repel
push
release
Magnetic
iron
metal
field
Attraction
Force
Metal
Science
Magnetic
Pull
ATTRACT: Uses open 5-hands closing towards each other, often implying general appeal. 'Magnet' specifically uses G-hands to depict a physical pull. TOGETHER: Uses two A-hands (fists with thumbs up) meeting, symbolizing unity or gathering. 'Magnet' uses different handshapes and emphasizes the force of attraction. STICK/GLUE: Can involve one hand adhering to another, but usually different handshapes and a more sustained contact, rather than a repeated meeting of G-hands
Science
physics
object
attraction
BSL magnet
sign for magnet
magnet British Sign Language
magnetic
science
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Video credit: The demonstration video on this page is credited to SpreadTheSign. The video remains the property of the original rightholder.
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