Daily focus
Archive Replay
Monday, August 18, 2025
Sign of the Day
listen
The BSL sign for "listen" uses the index finger near the ear, tapping or brushing repeatedly, signifying active auditory attention
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled, thumb touches side of middle finger
Repeated small tap or brush of index fingertip near the ear
Requesting attention, indicating active hearing, or showing comprehension
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 1-handshape with index finger extended
- Place index fingertip near your ear
- Tap or brush fingertip lightly
- Repeat movement 2-3 times
Coach prompt
Practice the handshape and repeated movement near your ear
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled, thumb touches side of middle finger · Code 1-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Tap
Palm orientation
Towards ear
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
pft, mm
Body shift
Slight forward lean possible
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.
Please listen carefully to my instructions
Can be inflected for intensity or duration by varying movement
Best fit: Requesting attention, indicating active hearing, or showing comprehension
Mirror focus
Practice the handshape and repeated movement near your ear
Catch the slip
Ensure index finger is extended, movement is light, repeated, and near the ear
Use it today
Please listen carefully to my instructions
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, wrong location, too aggressive movement
When not to use it: When the context is 'overhear' or 'accidentally hear', use HEAR
Regional note: Minor variations exist but core meaning is consistent
Cultural note: Direct eye contact often accompanies, showing engagement
1.[en] Listen to me! / BSL:[Sign LISTEN strongly]
2.[en] I listened to music. / BSL:[I LISTEN MUSIC]
3.[en] Please listen carefully. / BSL:[PLEASE LISTEN CAREFUL]
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Word web
Hear
pay attention
attend
Ignore
disregard
Sound
ear
noise
Hear
Understand
Pay attention
Talk
Deaf
The sign for LISTEN (repeated tap near ear) implies active attention. This contrasts with HEAR, which is often a single, lighter touch or movement directly to the ear, signifying passive auditory perception. MUSIC uses a similar 1-handshape but a distinct circular movement near the ear
Auditory
communication
attention
Listen
hear
pay attention
ear
BSL
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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.
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