Archive Replay Monday, July 14, 2025

Sign of the Day

mark

The BSL sign for 'mark' (noun) involves using the extended index finger of your dominant G-hand to tap the open palm of your non-dominant hand. This action visually represents making an impression or noting a point

A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Level A1
Frequency Common
Class Noun
Hand count Two-handed
Movement Linear
Location Palm of non-dominant hand
Face & eyes Neutral
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · United Kingdom
Shape cue

Dominant G-hand. Index finger extended

Motion cue

Downward stroke or tap

Meaning cue

Referring to a physical impression, a score, or a designated spot

Break It Down

Watch, build, and feel the movement

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How to form the sign

  1. Form G-hand with dominant hand
  2. Extend index finger
  3. Position non-dominant hand palm up/forward
  4. Tap index finger onto non-dominant palm
Coach prompt

Practice forming the G-hand and tapping the non-dominant palm. Focus on a clear, distinct tap

Signature details

Handshape Dominant G-hand. Index finger extended · Code G
Dominant hand Either
Symmetry Asymmetric
Contact Tap
Palm orientation Non-dominant palm up/forward
Eyebrows Neutral
Eye gaze Forward
Head movement None
Mouth morpheme None
Body shift None
Use It Today

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Natural example
1.[en] There is a mark on the table. / BSL:[TABLE MARK]

Can refer to a physical blemish, a score in a game/test, or a designated spot

Best fit: Referring to a physical impression, a score, or a designated spot

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Practice forming the G-hand and tapping the non-dominant palm. Focus on a clear, distinct tap

Catch the slip

Ensure your index finger is extended and the tap is on the palm, not the back of the hand. Avoid excessive force

Use it today

1.[en] There is a mark on the table. / BSL:[TABLE MARK]

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Confusing with 'point' or 'dot'

When not to use it: When meaning a 'brand' or 'trademark' (different sign)

Regional note: Possible minor variations in tap intensity

Cultural note: N/A

Practice line

1.[en] There is a mark on the paper. / BSL:[PAPER MARK]

Practice line

2.[en] I got full marks in the test. / BSL:[TEST FULL MARK]

Practice line

3.[en] Don't make a mark on the wall. / BSL:[WALL MARK DON'T]

What is the BSL sign for mark?

The BSL sign for 'mark' uses a dominant G-hand, tapping its extended index finger on the palm of the non-dominant hand.

How do you sign mark in BSL?

To sign 'mark' in BSL, extend your dominant hand's index finger (G-hand shape) and tap it once or twice on the open palm of your non-dominant hand.

Is mark one-handed or two-handed in BSL?

It is a two-handed sign. Although only the dominant hand moves, both hands are involved, with the non-dominant hand serving as the location for the action.

What handshape is used for mark in BSL?

The dominant hand forms a G-hand, with the index finger extended. The non-dominant hand is usually open, with its palm facing upwards or slightly forward.

How does mark differ from similar signs in BSL?

The sign for 'mark' uses a G-hand tapping the non-dominant palm. This distinguishes it from 'POINT' (G-hand, jabs forward to indicate direction) and 'WRITE' (G-hand, linear movement across non-dominant palm or in air, implying the action of writing).

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Word web

Stain spot line point score Clean erase smooth Sign symbol score target point Score Point Line

This sign differs from BSL 'POINT' (G-hand, precise jab forward/at target, often indicating direction or specific item) by its movement and location; 'mark' taps the non-dominant palm. It differs from BSL 'WRITE' (G-hand, linear movement across non-dominant palm or in air) which implies the action of writing, whereas 'mark' refers to the resultant impression or score

Noun physical score impression blemish Mark spot line sign BSL mark
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Video credit: The demonstration video on this page is credited to SpreadTheSign. The video remains the property of the original rightholder.

All written explanations, learning notes, examples, comparisons, and page design on this page are SignDeaf educational material.

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