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Friday, August 8, 2025
Sign of the Day
metre
The BSL sign for 'metre' uses two G-hands. The dominant index finger traces along the non-dominant index finger, representing a unit of length
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant G-hand, non-dominant G-hand. Index fingers extended
Dominant index finger slides along non-dominant index finger
Discussing measurements, dimensions, distances
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form G-hand with dominant hand
- Form G-hand with non-dominant hand
- Place non-dominant G-hand in front of body, palm inward/up
- Slide dominant G-hand's index finger along non-dominant G-hand's index finger
Coach prompt
Practice signing "metre" with varying numbers. Try incorporating it into a sentence about object length
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant G-hand, non-dominant G-hand. Index fingers extended · Code Dominant G-hand, Non-dominant G-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Dominant: towards non-dominant; Non-dominant: usually inward/up
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouth 'metre' or 'mm'
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.
BSL: ROOM THREE METRE LONG
Often accompanied by numbers to indicate quantity
Best fit: Discussing measurements, dimensions, distances
Mirror focus
Practice signing "metre" with varying numbers. Try incorporating it into a sentence about object length
Catch the slip
Ensure both hands form clear G-hands. Dominant index must move along the non-dominant index, not just touch
Use it today
BSL: ROOM THREE METRE LONG
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'length' or 'ruler'
When not to use it: Referring to musical meter, parking meter, or poetic meter
Regional note: Minor variations in speed or contact
Cultural note: Standard unit of measurement in UK alongside imperial units
1.[en] It is one metre long. / BSL:[ONE METRE LONG]
2.[en] How many metres? / BSL:[HOW MANY METRE?]
3.[en] Three metres high. / BSL:[THREE METRE HIGH]
What is the BSL sign for metre?
It uses two G-hands. The dominant index finger slides along the non-dominant index finger, representing a unit of length.
How do you sign metre in BSL?
Extend both index fingers (G-hands). Slide your dominant index finger along the length of your non-dominant index finger, from base to tip.
Is metre one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a two-handed sign. Both hands are active: one forms the base, the other performs the tracing movement.
What handshape is used for metre in BSL?
Both the dominant and non-dominant hands form a G-hand, with the index finger extended and other fingers closed.
How does metre differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'length' (often two B-hands moving apart) and 'ruler' (often a flat hand moving along an object). 'Metre' specifically denotes the measurement unit, not the general concept or tool.
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Word web
Length unit
measurement unit
N/A
Kilometre
centimetre
measure
ruler
length
measure
ruler
centimetre
kilometre
distance
The sign for 'metre' uses two G-hands, with the dominant index tracing the non-dominant. 'Length' (general concept) often uses two B-hands moving apart to indicate extension. 'Ruler' might involve a flat hand moving along a surface, representing the tool. 'Distance' often involves two F-hands or A-hands moving apart. 'Metre' is specific to the unit of measurement
Measurement
length
science
construction
BSL metre
sign for metre
British Sign Language metre
Construction
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