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Saturday, September 20, 2025
Sign of the Day
rub
The sign for 'rub' in BSL uses two flat hands, one rubbing repeatedly against the other
A1 Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Both hands are flat (B-hand). Dominant hand palm down, non-dominant palm up
Dominant hand rubs back and forth over the non-dominant hand
Used for the physical act of applying friction
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form flat B-hand with non-dominant hand, palm up
- Form flat B-hand with dominant hand, palm down
- Place dominant hand on top of non-dominant hand
- Rub dominant hand back and forth repeatedly
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands are flat (B-hand). Dominant hand palm down, non-dominant palm up · Code B-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Dominant palm down, non-dominant palm up
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouth 'rub'
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 need to rub the stain out of my shirt
Can be modified to indicate what is being rubbed
Best fit: Used for the physical act of applying friction
Mirror focus
Form flat B-hand with non-dominant hand, palm up
Catch the slip
Using wrong handshape or incorrect movement direction
Use it today
I need to rub the stain out of my shirt
Common mistakes: Using wrong handshape or incorrect movement direction
When not to use it: For gentle patting or stroking movements
Regional note: Minor variations in exact hand placement or movement exist
Cultural note: None specific
1.[en] Rub your hands together. / BSL:[hands rub]
2.[en] Rub the lamp. / BSL:[rub lamp]
3.[en] He rubbed his eyes. / BSL:[rub eyes]
What is the BSL sign for rub?
It involves two flat hands, one rubbing repeatedly over the other in a back-and-forth motion.
How do you sign rub in BSL?
Place your dominant flat hand (palm down) on your non-dominant flat hand (palm up) and move the dominant hand back and forth repeatedly.
Is rub one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The common general sign for 'rub' in BSL is two-handed, requiring both hands to perform the action.
What handshape is used for rub in BSL?
Both hands use a flat handshape, often referred to as a B-hand, with fingers extended and together.
How does rub differ from similar signs in BSL?
'Rub' uses a distinct repetitive friction movement. 'Wipe' often involves a single, broader sweep. 'Massage' uses more circular or kneading motions with different handshapes.
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Word web
Polish
scrub
chafe
wipe
Pat
tap
caress
Clean
friction
massage
smooth
Polish
Scrub
Wipe
Clean
Massage
WIPE: Similar handshapes (flat hands) but 'wipe' often involves a single, broader sweeping motion across a surface, implying removal. 'Rub' is typically a repeated, localised friction. CLEAN: Can involve rubbing, but 'clean' often has a broader context of tidying or purifying, and may use different movements depending on the object. MASSAGE: Uses more circular or kneading motions, often with curved hands, implying therapeutic pressure rather than simple surface friction
Action
physical
Rub
friction
polish
scrub
clean
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