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Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Sign of the Day
lightning
The BSL sign for 'lightning' uses a G-hand (index finger extended) to mimic a sharp, zigzag flash in the air, often accompanied by strong non-manual features
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled into palm, thumb tucked in or alongside
Sharp, quick zigzagging movement downwards and/or across in the air
Used when describing weather events, storms, or the natural phenomenon of lightning
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 a G-hand (index finger extended)
- Position hand in mid-air in front of shoulder
- Move hand downward in a sharp, quick zigzag motion
- Accompany with sudden mouth movement like 'pow'
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'lightning' with appropriate speed and facial expression
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled into palm, thumb tucked in or alongside · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Varies, often palm forward or towards the non-dominant side
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'Pah' or 'Pow' (mimicking suddenness or sound)
Body shift
Slight, sharp head movement or subtle body recoil for emphasis
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.
The lightning lit up the dark sky
Often accompanied by the sign for 'thunder'. Non-manual features are vital for conveying impact
Best fit: Used when describing weather events, storms, or the natural phenomenon of lightning
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'lightning' with appropriate speed and facial expression
Catch the slip
Ensure your index finger is extended, movement is sharp and zigzagging, and NMFs convey suddenness
Use it today
The lightning lit up the dark sky
Common mistakes: Movement too slow or smooth, incorrect handshape, lack of strong non-manual features
When not to use it: Do not use for general 'light' or other non-storm related electrical events
Regional note: Minor variations in the exact path or speed of the zigzag movement
Cultural note: No specific cultural notes beyond general weather discussions
1.[en] Did you see the lightning? / BSL:[Sign LIGHTNING, question NMFs]
2.[en] The storm had a lot of lightning. / BSL:[Sign STORM, then LIGHTNING, repeated]
3.[en] Lightning struck the tree. / BSL:[Sign LIGHTNING, then STRIKE, TREE]
What is the BSL sign for lightning?
The BSL sign for 'lightning' involves extending the index finger (G-hand) and moving it quickly in a sharp, zigzag motion downwards and/or across in the air, often with a sudden facial expression.
How do you sign lightning in BSL?
Extend your dominant hand's index finger (G-hand). Starting in mid-air, usually near your head, quickly move your hand downwards in a zigzag path. Non-manual features like widened eyes or a sharp breath enhance the meaning.
Is lightning one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'lightning' in BSL is typically one-handed, performed with the dominant hand.
What handshape is used for lightning in BSL?
The handshape used for 'lightning' in BSL is the G-hand, which means the index finger is extended while the other fingers and thumb are curled into the palm.
How does lightning differ from similar signs in BSL?
While the G-hand is common, 'lightning' is distinct from 'electricity' (often two G-hands touching or rubbing) and 'zigzag' (a general descriptive movement) by its specific, sudden, downward trajectory and associated NMFs for a natural phenomenon.
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Word web
Thunderbolt
Calm
Stillness
Thunder
Storm
Electricity
Weather
Thunder
Storm
Weather
Electricity
Sky
Flash
ELECTRICITY: Uses two G-hands, often touching and separating or rubbing along the index fingers, showing flow/connection, not a single flash.
ZIGZAG (descriptive): Can use a G-hand for a zigzag path, but it's a general descriptor of shape/movement, lacking the suddenness, specific NMFs, and downward trajectory inherent in 'lightning'.
THUNDER: Often signed by cupped hands near the ears, suggesting sound, completely different handshape and movement from 'lightning'
Weather
Nature
Storm
Electricity
Sky
BSL lightning
sign for lightning
weather signs BSL
storm BSL
electricity
weather
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