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Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Sign of the Day
measuring tape
Sign for a flexible tool used to measure length, often coiled
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Non-dominant hand forms a loose C-hand. Dominant hand forms a G-hand
Dominant G-hand pulls linearly outwards from non-dominant C-hand
Used when discussing measurement, DIY, construction, or crafts
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
- Non-dominant hand forms a loose C-hand at waist/abdomen, palm slightly up
- Dominant hand forms a G-hand (thumb and index extended)
- Place dominant G-hand near non-dominant C-hand, as if pulling tape
- Pull dominant G-hand linearly forward and slightly down, extending
Signature details
Handshape
Non-dominant hand forms a loose C-hand. Dominant hand forms a G-hand · Code Nd: C, D: G
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Non-dominant palm inward/upward. Dominant palm forward/downward
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.
1.[en] Can I borrow your measuring tape? / BSL:[You borrow measuring tape?]
The length of the outward pull can indicate the extent of the measurement
Best fit: Used when discussing measurement, DIY, construction, or crafts
Mirror focus
Non-dominant hand forms a loose C-hand at waist/abdomen, palm slightly up
Catch the slip
Confusing with 'ribbon' or 'string' if context is unclear
Use it today
1.[en] Can I borrow your measuring tape? / BSL:[You borrow measuring tape?]
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'ribbon' or 'string' if context is unclear
When not to use it: When referring to a short, rigid ruler or stick
Regional note: Minor variations in handshapes or exact placement may occur
Cultural note: An essential tool in various trades and for everyday tasks
1.[en] I need a measuring tape. / BSL:[I need measuring tape]
2.[en] How long is the table? / BSL:[Table how-long?]
3.[en] Get the tape measure. / BSL:[Fetch tape measure]
What is the BSL sign for measuring tape?
The sign involves two hands: a non-dominant C-hand representing the case, and a dominant G-hand simulating pulling tape from it.
How do you sign measuring tape in BSL?
Hold your non-dominant hand in a loose C-shape at waist level. With your dominant G-hand, pull it away from the C-hand, extending forward and slightly downward.
Is measuring tape one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for measuring tape is typically a two-handed sign in BSL, requiring both hands to represent the action of pulling out the tape.
What handshape is used for measuring tape in BSL?
The non-dominant hand uses a loose C-handshape to signify the tape's case. The dominant hand uses a G-handshape (thumb and index finger extended) to represent the tape itself.
How does measuring tape differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'RULER' (a flat B-hand across a palm for rigidity) and 'RIBBON' (two F-hands with a fluid, winding motion). The key is the C-hand 'case' and linear pull.
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Word web
Tape measure
measuring band
Measure
length
ruler
dimensions
Measure
Ruler
Length
Fabric
Carpenter
Tools
RULER: Signed as a flat B-hand moving linearly across the non-dominant palm, indicating a rigid, straight object. "Measuring tape" uses a C-hand as the coiled case and a G-hand pulling out a flexible tape. RIBBON: Often uses two F-hands (pinched fingers) with a more fluid, snaking movement, not necessarily originating from a 'case'. STRING/THREAD: Typically uses two I-hands or G-hands pulling apart horizontally, emphasizing thinness and length, without the distinct 'case' element
Tools
DIY
construction
measurement
BSL measuring tape
sign for tape measure
measure sign
Construction
Measurement
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