Daily focus
Archive Replay
Monday, May 5, 2025
Sign of the Day
Hello!
To sign 'Hello!' in BSL, use an open, flat hand near your temple, then move it outward
A1 Very Common British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Open B-hand (flat hand), fingers together and straight
Hand moves outward from the side of the head
General greeting, acknowledging someone's presence, starting a conversation
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form Open B-hand
- Place near temple/ear
- Move hand outward from head
- Maintain flat handshape
Coach prompt
Practice signing Hello! while maintaining eye contact and a warm, inviting smile
Signature details
Handshape
Open B-hand (flat hand), fingers together and straight · Code Flat-B
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward (towards recipient)
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None (sometimes mouthing 'Hello')
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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[en] Hello! / BSL: HELLO
Accompanied by eye contact and a friendly expression for effective communication
Best fit: General greeting, acknowledging someone's presence, starting a conversation
Mirror focus
Practice signing Hello! while maintaining eye contact and a warm, inviting smile
Catch the slip
Ensure your hand is flat, fingers together, and moves clearly outward from your head
Use it today
[en] Hello! / BSL: HELLO
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape (e.g., curved fingers), moving hand inwards, lack of eye contact
When not to use it: When someone is leaving or during a formal farewell
Regional note: Minor variations in starting point or slight arc of movement are possible
Cultural note: Direct eye contact is crucial for establishing connection in BSL greetings
1.[en] Hello! / BSL:[Sign HELLO with a friendly face]
2.[en] Hello, how are you? / BSL:[Sign HELLO, then HOW-ARE-YOU]
3.[en] Hello, my name is... / BSL:[Sign HELLO, then MY NAME IS...]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for Hello!?
Learners use 'Hello!' to initiate a conversation, acknowledge someone's presence, or start an introduction. It's a fundamental social sign.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing Hello! in BSL?
Beginners often use the wrong handshape (e.g., curved fingers) or move the hand inwards instead of outwards from the side of the head. Lack of eye contact is also common.
Does the BSL sign for Hello! change by region or context?
Minor regional variations exist, primarily in the exact starting point near the head or the subtle arc of the movement. The core meaning and general form remain consistent across regions.
Is the BSL sign for Hello! suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is one of the first and easiest signs taught. Its simple handshape and clear movement make it ideal for new learners and children.
Which sign is most often confused with Hello! in BSL?
It can sometimes be confused with 'Welcome' due to a similar flat handshape and outward movement. However, 'Welcome' typically starts near the chest and moves forward with an inviting gesture.
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Word web
Hi
Hey
Greetings
Good day
Goodbye
Bye
Farewell
How
Name
Please
Thank you
Goodbye
How
Name
Please
Thank you
HELLO is distinguished from WELCOME by its starting location (head vs. chest) and subtle movement (direct outward vs. inviting arc). It differs from THANK YOU (which often uses a flat hand from the chin) by its location and the specific direction of movement away from the head. While a social greeting, it is distinct from GOODBYE, which typically involves a clear waving motion or a specific downward/away movement
Greeting
Social
Introduction
Politeness
Hi
How are you
Salutation
social
Come Back Tomorrow
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