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Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Sign of the Day
hard
The BSL sign for 'hard' involves the dominant S-hand (fist) striking the non-dominant flat B-hand's palm or wrist
A1 Very Common Adjective British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant S-hand (fist) strikes the palm or wrist of the non-dominant flat B-hand
Dominant fist strikes the non-dominant open palm or wrist, often repeated
Describing physical firmness, rigidity, or conceptual difficulty/challenge
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How to form the sign
- Form non-dominant flat B-hand, palm up/forward
- Form dominant S-hand (fist)
- Strike dominant fist against non-dominant palm/wrist
- Repeat strike once or twice
Coach prompt
Practice forming the S-hand and B-hand, then striking the dominant fist firmly against the non-dominant palm
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant S-hand (fist) strikes the palm or wrist of the non-dominant flat B-hand · Code Dominant S, Non-dominant B
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Non-dominant palm faces upward or forward. Dominant palm faces towards non-dominant
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Pah, mm
Body shift
None
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The wood is hard
Can refer to physical hardness (e.g., 'hard ground') or difficulty (e.g., 'hard exam'). Context clarifies meaning
Best fit: Describing physical firmness, rigidity, or conceptual difficulty/challenge
Mirror focus
Practice forming the S-hand and B-hand, then striking the dominant fist firmly against the non-dominant palm
Catch the slip
Ensure the non-dominant hand is a flat B-hand (open palm), not an S-hand (fist)
Use it today
The wood is hard
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'strong' or 'difficult' if nuances are missed
When not to use it: When referring to 'hard of hearing' (use DEAF) or 'hard work' (use WORK + STRONG/DIFFICULT)
Regional note: Minor variations in the exact point of contact on the non-dominant hand
Cultural note: No specific cultural notes for this basic adjective
1.[en] This table is hard. / BSL:[Sign HARD]
2.[en] The exam was hard. / BSL:[Sign HARD]
3.[en] He is a hard worker. / BSL:[Sign HARD, then WORK]
What is the BSL sign for hard?
The BSL sign for 'hard' is formed by the dominant S-hand (fist) striking the palm or wrist of the non-dominant flat B-hand. It can mean firm, rigid, or difficult.
How do you sign hard in BSL?
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up or forward. Form your dominant hand into a fist (S-hand). Strike the dominant fist against the non-dominant palm or wrist, often repeating the strike once or twice.
Is hard one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'hard' in BSL is a two-handed sign, as it requires both hands to form the distinct handshapes and perform the striking movement to convey the meaning.
What handshape is used for hard in BSL?
The dominant hand uses an S-hand (fist) handshape. The non-dominant hand uses a flat B-hand (open palm) handshape with fingers together and thumb alongside.
How does hard differ from similar signs in BSL?
'Hard' (firm/difficult) uses an S-hand striking a B-hand. 'Difficult' often uses two S-hands twisting together. 'Strong' typically involves two S-hands crossing at wrists and pulling apart.
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Word web
Difficult
firm
tough
rigid
unyielding
Easy
soft
simple
yielding
Strength
effort
challenge
resilience
Difficult
Firm
Easy
DIFFICULT: While 'hard' can mean difficult, the sign 'DIFFICULT' often uses two S-hands twisting or hitting each other, rather than an S-hand striking a B-hand.
STRONG: Uses two S-hands, crossing at wrists and pulling apart forcefully, signifying power or ability. 'Hard' focuses on firmness or challenge.
TOUGH: Can be very similar, sometimes a more sustained or forceful version of HARD, or dominant S-hand pulling across non-dominant B-hand. Context often distinguishes usage
Texture
difficulty
effort
rigid
challenging
unyielding
Hard BSL
difficult BSL
firm BSL
tough BSL
rigid BSL
texture
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