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Monday, June 9, 2025
Sign of the Day
test
The BSL sign for "test" (noun) uses a G-handshape near the temple, moving outwards. It typically represents an examination or formal assessment
B1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled into palm, thumb alongside index finger
Moves outwards from the temple or side of the head with a slight forward arc or wiggle
Used when discussing examinations, medical tests, or trials of ability
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 G-hand (index finger extended)
- Place index fingertip near temple/side of head
- Move hand outwards and slightly forward in a short arc
- End with palm facing forward
Coach prompt
Practice signing "I have a test."
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled into palm, thumb alongside index finger · Code BSL G-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm generally faces forward or slightly to the side
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.
I have a big test tomorrow
This sign primarily refers to a formal assessment or examination. Context usually clarifies if it's academic, medical, etc
Best fit: Used when discussing examinations, medical tests, or trials of ability
Mirror focus
Practice signing "I have a test."
Catch the slip
Ensure handshape is a clear G-hand and the movement is a distinct outward arc from the temple
Use it today
I have a big test tomorrow
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'know' or 'think' due to similar starting location and handshape
When not to use it: Do not use this sign for the verb 'to test' meaning 'to try out' or 'to attempt', which has a different sign
Regional note: Minor variations in the exact starting point or arc of movement may exist regionally
Cultural note: A standard and widely understood sign within the British Deaf Community for examinations
1.I passed my driving test. / BSL:[me pass drive TEST]
2.When is the English test? / BSL:[when English TEST?]
3.The doctor ordered a blood test. / BSL:[doctor order blood TEST]
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Word web
Exam
assessment
quiz
trial
N/A
Study
learn
pass
fail
results
exam
study
learn
pass
fail
knowledge
The sign for "test" uses a G-hand moving outwards from the temple. This distinguishes it from "know," which typically uses a flat B-hand tapping the temple, and "think," which uses a G-hand tapping the temple but usually without the distinct outward movement. The outward motion is key for "test," specifically denoting an assessment or examination. The contexts also differ: "test" refers to an event, while "know" and "think" are about mental states or processes
Education
medical
assessment
evaluation
school
BSL test
British Sign Language test
exam sign
assessment sign
School
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