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Archive Replay
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Sign of the Day
time
The BSL sign for "time" involves tapping the non-dominant wrist with the dominant index finger. It represents the concept of time, similar to looking at a watch
A1 Very Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms an extended index finger; non-dominant hand is a relaxed B-hand
Dominant index finger taps the non-dominant wrist once
General discussions about periods, schedules, or specific points
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 with dominant hand
- Form relaxed B-hand with non-dominant hand, palm up
- Position non-dominant hand across body, wrist exposed
- Tap dominant index finger once onto non-dominant wrist
Coach prompt
Practice signing "time" with various numbers for specific hours. Use it in sentences like "What time is the class?"
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms an extended index finger; non-dominant hand is a relaxed B-hand · Code G-hand (dominant), B-hand (non-dominant)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Tap
Palm orientation
Dominant index finger points forward. Non-dominant palm faces upward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouth "time"
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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What time is it?
Used for general concept of time, specific times, or duration
Best fit: General discussions about periods, schedules, or specific points
Mirror focus
Practice signing "time" with various numbers for specific hours. Use it in sentences like "What time is the class?"
Catch the slip
Ensure the dominant hand forms a G-hand (index finger extended) and specifically taps the non-dominant wrist, not the back of the hand or forearm
Use it today
What time is it?
Common mistakes: Incorrect tapping location or too many taps; confusing with 'watch'
When not to use it: N/A
Regional note: Minimal variation for this core sign
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] What time is it? / BSL:[QUESTION-WHAT TIME IT?]
2.[en] I need more time. / BSL:[I NEED MORE TIME]
3.[en] Time to go. / BSL:[TIME GO]
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Word web
Period
moment
N/A
Clock
watch
minute
hour
day
Clock
Watch
Minute
Day
Future
TIME vs. WATCH (noun): 'TIME' uses a single, distinct tap of the G-hand on the non-dominant wrist. 'WATCH' (wristwatch) often involves a small circular movement or repeated light taps on the non-dominant wrist, mimicking winding or checking a watch.
TIME vs. HOUR: 'TIME' is general. 'HOUR' (as in 60 minutes) typically involves tapping the non-dominant wrist twice with the G-hand, sometimes with a slight movement away. The key is the single tap for general 'time'
General
abstract
measurement
time
clock
duration
period
moment
when
Abstract
general
Measurement
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