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Sunday, September 28, 2025
Sign of the Day
drill
This sign mimes the action of holding and operating a power drill, using a repeated twisting hand movement
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Dominant S-hand, thumb across fingers
Repeated twisting motion
Discussing tools, DIY, construction
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 dominant S-hand (fist), thumb across fingers
- Position hand in neutral space, in front of chest
- Palm slightly forward or towards body
- Perform a repeated twisting motion, simulating turning a drill
Coach prompt
Show the BSL sign for 'drill' (the tool)
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant S-hand, thumb across fingers · Code S
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Towards the body or slightly forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Often 'POO' or 'MM' (mimicking sound/effort)
Body shift
No
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 a drill to make a hole
Can be adapted for specific drill types by context
Best fit: Discussing tools, DIY, construction
Mirror focus
Show the BSL sign for 'drill' (the tool)
Catch the slip
Ensure the hand is in an S-hand (fist) shape and performs a clear, repeated twisting motion
Use it today
I need a drill to make a hole
Common mistakes: Confusing with the verb 'to drill' or other tools
When not to use it: Referring to military drills or practice exercises
Regional note: Minor variations in specific hand position or mouth pattern
Cultural note: Common in contexts related to home improvement and manual labor
1.[en] I need the drill. / BSL:[NEED DRILL]
2.[en] He used a drill. / BSL:[HE USE DRILL]
3.[en] Where is the drill? / BSL:[DRILL WHERE?]
What is the BSL sign for drill?
The sign for 'drill' involves forming an S-hand (fist) with your dominant hand and performing a repeated twisting motion in neutral space, mimicking the action of using a drill.
How do you sign drill in BSL?
Make an S-hand (fist) with your dominant hand, thumb across fingers. Hold it in front of your chest and twist your wrist repeatedly, as if operating a hand-held drill.
Is drill one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'drill' (the tool) is typically a one-handed sign, using only your dominant hand to perform the twisting motion. The non-dominant hand is usually inactive.
What handshape is used for drill in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'drill' uses the S-handshape, which is a closed fist with the thumb resting across the fingers. This handshape represents gripping the tool handle.
How does drill differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'screwdriver' (G-hand, twisting action) by handshape. It's distinct from 'hammer' (S-hand, hammering motion) by movement. 'Drill' is a unique combination of S-hand and twisting movement for a power tool.
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Word web
Borer
auger
Tool
machine
hole
Tool
Hammer
Screwdriver
Hole
Construct
Repair
Screwdriver: Uses a G-hand (index finger extended) with a similar twisting motion, but the handshape differentiates it. A 'screwdriver' sign simulates turning a screw, not a drill.
Hammer: Uses an S-hand (like 'drill') but with a distinct downward hammering motion, often repeated, clearly showing a different tool's action.
To Screw (verb): Can use a G-hand with a twisting motion, similar to screwdriver, but the context and often the presence of a non-dominant hand indicating the 'item' being screwed into, helps differentiate from the 'drill' tool
Tools
DIY
construction
carpentry
Drill
tool
power tool
make hole
Construction
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