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Archive Replay
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Sign of the Day
break
BSL sign for "break" uses two S-hands starting together, then snapping apart forcefully. It represents physical damage or cessation of function
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Both hands form S-hands, closed fists
Hands start together, then snap apart forcefully
General use for physical breaking, malfunctioning, or ending
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 S-hands (fists) with both hands.
- Place hands together at mid-chest height, palms facing.
- Snap hands apart forcefully and quickly.
- Maintain S-handshape throughout the movement
Coach prompt
Practice signing "break" with varying force
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands form S-hands, closed fists · Code S
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Initial palms face each other
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Often "pah" or "pooh" for emphasis
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 plate broke. My car broke down
Force of movement indicates severity of break
Best fit: General use for physical breaking, malfunctioning, or ending
Mirror focus
Practice signing "break" with varying force
Catch the slip
Ensure both hands are S-shape, movement is forceful and outwards
Use it today
The plate broke. My car broke down
Common mistakes: Not enough force; incorrect handshape
When not to use it: For "take a break" or "break a rule."
Regional note: Minor variations in starting height or force
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] The window broke. / BSL:[sign BREAK for the window]
2.[en] My phone is broken. / BSL:[sign BREAK for the phone]
3.[en] Don't break it! / BSL:[sign DON'T BREAK IT]
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Word web
snap
fracture
shatter
split
destroy
fix
repair
mend
join
unite
broken
smash
crack
damage
mend
repair
BREAK vs. TORN/TEAR: While "break" implies snapping or shattering, "TORN" uses B-hands moving apart with a twisting or ripping motion, often near the mouth or chest. BREAK vs. SNAP (e.g., twig): "SNAP" can be very similar, often using a single hand. "Break" implies a more significant or complete separation. BREAK vs. HOLIDAY/TAKE A BREAK: This sign is for physical damage; "take a break" from work uses a different sign
Physical action
damage
malfunction
end
break
snap
shatter
damaged
broken
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