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Friday, May 23, 2025
Sign of the Day
square metre
The BSL sign for "square metre" combines the sign for "metre" (dominant G-hand moving forward) followed by outlining a "square" with both G-hands in neutral space
B1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral, Technical
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Dominant G-hand for 'metre', then both G-hands outline 'square'
Initial forward linear movement, then outlining a square
Describing area for property, land, or construction
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form a dominant G-hand (index extended, thumb parallel)
- Place hand at chest height, palm forward/up
- Move hand forward briefly to represent 'metre'
- Bring both G-hands together, palms facing, and outline a square shape in neutral space
Coach prompt
Practice forming the G-hand and the forward motion, then transition smoothly to outlining the square shape with both hands. Focus on clear angles
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant G-hand for 'metre', then both G-hands outline 'square' · Code G (dominant), G (both)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Dominant hand palm forward/up for 'metre', then palms face each other for 'square'
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'mm' or mouth shape 'square'
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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The house has an area of 100 square metres
This sign combines 'metre' (forward G-hand) and 'square' (outlining with G-hands)
Best fit: Describing area for property, land, or construction
Mirror focus
Practice forming the G-hand and the forward motion, then transition smoothly to outlining the square shape with both hands. Focus on clear angles
Catch the slip
Ensure the initial 'metre' sign is distinct before transitioning to the 'square' outline. Maintain clear G-handshapes throughout
Use it today
The house has an area of 100 square metres
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape for 'metre' or 'square'
When not to use it: When referring to volume or simple length
Regional note: Minor handshape/movement differences possible, but core concept usually clear
Cultural note: Standard metric unit, often used in housing descriptions
1.[en] The room is 10 square metres. / BSL:[ROOM 10 SQUARE METRE]
2.[en] We need 50 square metres of carpet. / BSL:[WE NEED 50 SQUARE METRE CARPET]
3.[en] What is the area in square metres? / BSL:[AREA HOW-MUCH SQUARE METRE?]
What is the BSL sign for square metre?
It combines the sign for 'metre' (dominant G-hand forward) and 'square' (both G-hands outlining a square).
How do you sign square metre in BSL?
First, extend your dominant G-hand forward from the chest to signify 'metre'. Then, use both G-hands to outline a square shape in front of you.
Is square metre one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It starts as a one-handed sign for 'metre' and then transitions to a two-handed sign to outline the 'square'.
What handshape is used for square metre in BSL?
The G-handshape is used throughout the sign. It's an extended index finger with the thumb parallel.
How does square metre differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'metre' (just the forward G-hand) by adding the 'square' outline. It differs from 'square' (just the outline) by preceding it with the 'metre' sign.
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Word web
sq meter
N/A
Area
measurement
size
dimensions
Metre
Square
Area
Measurement
Unit
Property
METRE: Uses only the dominant G-hand, moving forward once. 'Square metre' adds the two-handed square outline after this initial movement, specifically indicating area.
SQUARE (shape): Uses both G-hands to outline a square, but lacks the initial forward movement of the dominant G-hand that signifies 'metre'. 'Square metre' explicitly combines both concepts.
AREA: Typically signed with flat B-hands outlining a general enclosed space, not necessarily a square. 'Square metre' is a specific unit, whereas 'area' is a general concept
Measurement
area
property
construction
unit
BSL square metre
sign for area
measurement BSL
square meter sign
Construction
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