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Sunday, May 4, 2025
Sign of the Day
colour
The sign for 'colour' uses a distinct handshape and repeated movement near the mouth/cheek, representing a visual attribute
A1 Very Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger extended, thumb touching middle finger, other fingers curled
Wiggle index finger and thumb together repeatedly
Describing visual attributes, preferences, or art
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 handshape with index extended, thumb touching middle finger
- Place fingertips at side of mouth/cheek
- Wiggle index finger and thumb together repeatedly
- Keep other fingers curled
Coach prompt
Sign 'colour' in different contexts. Practice expressing preferences for colours
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, thumb touching middle finger, other fingers curled · Code Index-Thumb-Pinch
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Towards body/face
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Pah (slight)
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.
What is your favourite colour?
Often followed by specific colour signs like RED, BLUE
Best fit: Describing visual attributes, preferences, or art
Mirror focus
Sign 'colour' in different contexts. Practice expressing preferences for colours
Catch the slip
Ensure correct 'G' handshape and distinct wiggle, not a static hold
Use it today
What is your favourite colour?
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'pretty' due to similar location
When not to use it: When referring to 'paint' specifically, use 'paint' sign
Regional note: Minor variations in handshape or exact location exist
Cultural note: Colour perception can vary culturally, but the sign is universal within BSL
1.[en] What is your favourite colour? / BSL:[QUESTION-FAVOURITE COLOUR-YOURS]
2.[en] The sky is blue. / BSL:[SKY BLUE COLOUR]
3.[en] I like bright colours. / BSL:[I LIKE COLOUR BRIGHT]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for colour?
Learners would use this sign to ask about or describe the colour of objects, clothing, or nature. It's fundamental for basic descriptions and expressing preferences.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing colour in BSL?
Beginners sometimes confuse it with 'pretty' or 'beautiful' due to the similar facial location. Ensure the specific handshape and 'wiggle' movement are clear, and the location is precisely at the cheek/mouth side.
Does the BSL sign for colour change by region or context?
While the core concept is universal, minor regional variations in the exact handshape or contact point on the cheek can occur. The fundamental movement and location remain largely consistent across BSL regions.
Is the BSL sign for colour suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is a very common and essential sign for beginners and children. It's often one of the first descriptive signs taught, helping to build basic vocabulary for everyday interactions.
Which sign is most often confused with colour in BSL?
The sign for 'pretty' or 'beautiful' (often a 5-hand or B-hand brushing the cheek) is frequently confused. 'Colour' uses a distinct pinch-like handshape with a wiggling motion, whereas 'pretty' is a broader sweep.
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Word web
Hue
shade
tone
Monochrome
black and white
Paint
rainbow
spectrum
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Favourite
The sign for COLOUR uses a specific index-thumb pinch handshape wiggling at the cheek. This differentiates it from: PRETTY/BEAUTIFUL (often a B-hand or 5-hand brushing the cheek, wider movement); and TASTE (typically an F-hand or G-hand touching the tongue or lips, different movement/location). The handshape and movement are key
Visual
appearance
descriptive
Colour
hue
shade
tint
visual
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