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Thursday, November 20, 2025
Sign of the Day
approved
The BSL sign for 'approved' uses a dominant A-hand with the thumb up. It starts at the chest, moving forward and slightly up in an arc, often with a head nod
B1 Common Adjective British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant A-hand, closed fist, thumb extended upwards
Starts at chest, moves forward and slightly up in an arc
Expressing formal or informal acceptance, permission, or confirmation
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form dominant A-hand, thumb up
- Place hand near upper chest, palm forward
- Move hand forward and slightly upwards in an arc
- End with hand extended slightly from body
Coach prompt
Practice the A-handshape with thumb up. Focus on the smooth, upward-forward arc movement
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant A-hand, closed fist, thumb extended upwards · Code A_thumb_up
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward/Up
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
Nod (yes)
Mouth morpheme
mmm
Body shift
None
Use It Today
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The new policy has been approved
Often accompanied by a confirming head nod. Movement is distinct and clear
Best fit: Expressing formal or informal acceptance, permission, or confirmation
Mirror focus
Practice the A-handshape with thumb up. Focus on the smooth, upward-forward arc movement
Catch the slip
Ensure the thumb is distinctly extended upwards and the movement is a clear, single arc, distinct from a simple 'thumbs up'
Use it today
The new policy has been approved
Common mistakes: Confusing with a simple 'thumbs up' or 'good'
When not to use it: To express refusal, disagreement, or rejection
Regional note: Minor variations in arc or exact starting point are possible
Cultural note: A clear, decisive sign often used in professional or official contexts
1.[en] Is that approved? / BSL:THAT APPROVED?
2.[en] My request was approved. / BSL:MY REQUEST APPROVED.
3.[en] The design is approved. / BSL:DESIGN APPROVED
What is the BSL sign for approved?
It's a one-handed sign using an A-hand with the thumb extended upwards, moving from the chest forward and slightly up.
How do you sign approved in BSL?
With your dominant hand, form an A-hand (fist, thumb up). Start at your upper chest and move your hand forward and slightly upwards in an arc.
Is approved one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'approved' is typically a one-handed sign, performed with the dominant hand.
What handshape is used for approved in BSL?
The handshape for 'approved' in BSL is the dominant A-hand, meaning a closed fist with the thumb extended straight upwards.
How does approved differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'good' (B-hand, palm up, moves up) by handshape and movement. It's distinct from a 'thumbs up' gesture (informal 'okay') by its deliberate arc movement from the chest, conveying formal acceptance.
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Word web
Accepted
permitted
validated
agreed
Disapproved
rejected
forbidden
Permission
agreement
sanction
validation
consent
permission
agreement
valid
accept
GOOD: Uses a B-hand (flat hand) with palm up, moving up from the chest. 'Approved' uses an A-hand (fist, thumb up) with a forward and upward arc. OKAY (thumbs up gesture): This is a direct, often static gesture. 'Approved' has a more deliberate, larger arc movement from the chest, conveying formal acceptance. YES: Often a head nod or a G-hand moving down. 'Approved' is a specific hand sign with a distinct handshape and movement pattern for formal agreement
Formal
Informal
Official
Agreement
BSL approved
sign for approval
BSL allowed
BSL okay
BSL permission
agreement
informal
official
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