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Archive Replay
Monday, June 2, 2025
Sign of the Day
send
The BSL sign for 'send' uses a dominant hand, often a flattened O or B-hand, palm up. It moves forward from the chest in a pushing motion, indicating dispatch
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms a flattened O-hand or B-hand, palm up
Hand moves forward from the body in a pushing motion
Used for physical items, messages, or people
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 a flattened O-hand or B-hand
- Position hand palm up near chest
- Move hand forward in a straight pushing motion
- Extend arm slightly
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'send' in sentences like 'send a letter' or 'send a message'
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a flattened O-hand or B-hand, palm up · Code Flat-O/B-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Upward, then forward slightly
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Send
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.
I will send the letter tomorrow
Directionality can be used to indicate recipient
Best fit: Used for physical items, messages, or people
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'send' in sentences like 'send a letter' or 'send a message'
Catch the slip
Ensure palm is initially up and motion is a clear forward push
Use it today
I will send the letter tomorrow
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'give' or 'push'
When not to use it: When the meaning is 'receive'
Regional note: Minor variations in handshape or movement path
Cultural note: None specific to this basic sign
1.[en] Send the email. / BSL:[Point to email, then sign SEND]
2.[en] Can you send me that? / BSL:[YOU SEND ME THAT?]
3.[en] We send packages often. / BSL:[WE SEND PACKAGE OFTEN]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for send?
Learners use 'send' for dispatching physical items like letters or packages, or for digital communication like emails or messages. It's a foundational verb for communication and action.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing send in BSL?
Common errors include an unclear handshape (not flattened O or B), incorrect palm orientation (not palm up initially), or an ambiguous forward movement that might resemble 'give' or 'push'.
Does the BSL sign for send change by region or context?
While the core concept remains, minor regional variations might occur in the exact handshape or the length/arc of the forward movement. Context can also influence speed or emphasis.
Is the BSL sign for send suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it's a very common and straightforward sign, making it highly suitable for beginners and children learning BSL. Its clear movement and direct meaning are easy to grasp.
Which sign is most often confused with send in BSL?
Learners often confuse 'send' with 'give' (which uses a similar forward movement but with an open B-hand/flat hand, often with palm down or facing recipient) or 'push' (which can involve more force and varied handshapes).
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Word web
Post
dispatch
transmit
convey
Receive
get
accept
Deliver
give
receive
post
Receive
give
post
deliver
email
Compared to BSL 'GIVE', 'SEND' uses a flattened O-hand/B-hand with palm up, moving forward. 'GIVE' typically uses an open B-hand/flat hand, palm down or towards recipient. 'PUSH' often has a stronger, more forceful movement, sometimes with a C-hand or flat hand, and a different non-manual component
Communication
delivery
action
BSL send
send sign
British Sign Language send
Action
communication
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