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Monday, November 10, 2025
Sign of the Day
radius
The BSL sign for 'radius' is one-handed. It uses the dominant hand to trace the path of the radius bone on the non-dominant forearm, usually with a G-handshape. This sign is descriptive and often accompanied by mouthing 'radius'
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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Dominant hand forms a G-handshape (index finger extended)
Dominant index finger traces along the non-dominant forearm
Medical, anatomical, scientific discussions
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form G-hand with dominant hand
- Place index finger tip on wrist, thumb-side of non-dominant forearm
- Trace finger upwards towards elbow
- Maintain contact along the bone
Coach prompt
Practice tracing your dominant index finger (G-hand) along the thumb-side of your non-dominant forearm, from wrist to elbow
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a G-handshape (index finger extended) · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Dominant hand palm faces the non-dominant forearm
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Neutral 'mmm' or mouthing 'radius'
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.
The doctor said my radius bone was fractured
Often accompanied by mouthing 'radius'
Best fit: Medical, anatomical, scientific discussions
Mirror focus
Practice tracing your dominant index finger (G-hand) along the thumb-side of your non-dominant forearm, from wrist to elbow
Catch the slip
Ensure you are tracing along the thumb-side (radial side) of the forearm, not the pinky-side (ulnar side). Use a G-handshape
Use it today
The doctor said my radius bone was fractured
Common mistakes: Confusing with ulna by tracing the wrong side of the forearm
When not to use it: Casual conversation unless specifically discussing anatomy
Regional note: Minimal variation for anatomical signs
Cultural note: Anatomical signs are generally descriptive
1.[en] My radius bone is broken. / BSL:[Sign 'MY' then trace radius, then sign 'BROKEN']
2.[en] Where is your radius? / BSL:[Sign 'WHERE' then trace radius on self]
3.[en] The radius is a forearm bone. / BSL:[Trace radius, then sign 'FOREARM', 'BONE']
What is the BSL sign for radius?
It's a descriptive sign where the dominant hand traces the radius bone on the non-dominant forearm.
How do you sign radius in BSL?
Use your dominant G-hand to trace along the thumb-side bone of your non-dominant forearm, from wrist to elbow.
Is radius one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a one-handed sign, with the dominant hand acting on the non-dominant arm.
What handshape is used for radius in BSL?
The G-handshape (index finger extended) is typically used for tracing the bone.
How does radius differ from similar signs in BSL?
It's similar to ULNA, but ULNA traces the pinky-side bone. Both use a G-hand to trace the specific forearm bone.
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Word web
Forearm bone
Ulna
Forearm
bone
arm
ulna
Bone
Ulna
Forearm
Arm
Fracture
Anatomy
ULNA: Uses the same G-handshape and tracing movement, but specifically traces along the pinky-side (ulnar side) of the non-dominant forearm, opposite to the radius. ARM: Typically uses a B-hand or flattened O-hand sweeping along the entire arm from shoulder to wrist, indicating the whole limb, not a specific bone
Anatomy
medical
bone
science
BSL radius bone
radius arm sign
British Sign Language anatomy
anatomy
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