Daily focus
Archive Replay
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Sign of the Day
main station
"Main station" in BSL is a compound sign. It combines a sign for "main" or "important" with the sign for "station". The "main" part often uses the dominant G-hand tapping the non-dominant palm, then lifting. The "station" part uses the dominant S-hand…
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Dominant G-hand and S-hand; non-dominant B-hand
Tap, lift, then shake dominant S-hand
Discussing travel, directions, city landmarks
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 G-hand (index extended), non-dominant B-hand (palm up)
- Tap dominant index finger on non-dominant palm, then lift slightly
- Transition to dominant S-hand (fist)
- Shake dominant S-hand gently near chest or shoulder
Coach prompt
Sign "main station" and then "platform 3"
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant G-hand and S-hand; non-dominant B-hand · Code G; S; B
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Dominant: down then forward; Non-dominant: up initially
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
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.
[en] I will meet you at the main station. / BSL:[note]
Compound sign combining "main/important" and "station"
Best fit: Discussing travel, directions, city landmarks
Mirror focus
Sign "main station" and then "platform 3"
Catch the slip
Ensure distinct separation between the "main" and "station" components. Don't blend them into one fluid movement
Use it today
[en] I will meet you at the main station. / BSL:[note]
Common mistakes: Confusing with "station" alone, or using the wrong "main" sign
When not to use it: When referring to a smaller, less significant station
Regional note: Some variation in the "main" component
Cultural note: Important for travel and navigation in BSL communities
1.[en] Where is the main station? / BSL:[note]
2.[en] I need to go to the main station. / BSL:[note]
3.[en] The main station is very busy. / BSL:[note]
Connect the Dots
Turn one sign into a small learning cluster
These links use your relationship fields, related vocabulary, and category context so the daily page becomes a launchpad instead of a dead end.
Word web
Central station
principal station
Local station
small station
Train
bus
platform
travel
city
Train
Bus
Directions
City
Platform
The sign for just "station" (dominant S-hand shaking) omits the initial "main/important" component; "main station" specifies the principal one. "Bus station" combines "bus" (B-hand tapping chest) with "station," specifying the type. "Train station" combines "train" (two H-hands rubbing) with "station," again distinguishing the type
Travel
transport
city
landmark
Train station
central
principal
transport hub
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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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