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Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sign of the Day
take
The sign for 'TAKE' in BSL uses a grasping motion to represent picking up or acquiring an object. It's a fundamental action verb
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms a flat O-handshape, fingers and thumb slightly curved as if grasping
Hand moves towards an imagined object, closes as if grasping, then pulls back
Requesting objects, describing actions of moving or acquiring
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form dominant flat O-handshape
- Position hand in front, palm towards imagined object
- Move hand towards object, fingers slightly closing
- Pull hand back towards body
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'TAKE' with various imagined objects, focusing on handshape and movement
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a flat O-handshape, fingers and thumb slightly curved as if grasping · Code Flat O
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Towards object, then often inwards towards body
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None specific
Body shift
None
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CAN YOU TAKE BOOK?
Directionality can indicate source or destination of the object
Best fit: Requesting objects, describing actions of moving or acquiring
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'TAKE' with various imagined objects, focusing on handshape and movement
Catch the slip
Ensure your hand forms a clear flat O-handshape and the pulling motion is distinct. Avoid confusing it with 'GET'
Use it today
CAN YOU TAKE BOOK?
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'GET', incorrect handshape, unclear pulling motion
When not to use it: When meaning 'receive' (use GET) or 'steal' (use STEAL)
Regional note: Minor variations in hand path or speed are possible but generally understood
Cultural note: None specific to this sign beyond general BSL usage
1.[en] Can you take the book? / BSL:[CAN YOU TAKE BOOK?]
2.[en] I will take it. / BSL:[I WILL TAKE.]
3.[en] He took my pen. / BSL:[HE TAKE MY PEN.]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for take?
Learners use 'TAKE' for everyday actions like picking up items, requesting objects, or describing the removal of something. It's a foundational verb for communication.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing take in BSL?
Beginners often use an incorrect handshape, making it too open or closed. They might also confuse its movement with 'GET' (receiving) or lack the clear pulling motion towards the body.
Does the BSL sign for take change by region or context?
The core sign for 'TAKE' is widely consistent across BSL regions. Minor variations in speed or exact path of movement can occur but do not usually impede understanding. Context clarifies meaning.
Is the BSL sign for take suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, the sign for 'TAKE' is very suitable for beginners and children. It is a common, concrete action with a straightforward handshape and movement, making it easy to learn.
Which sign is most often confused with take in BSL?
The sign 'GET' (to receive) is often confused with 'TAKE'. 'TAKE' involves actively grasping and pulling back, while 'GET' typically uses an open hand moving towards the receiver, implying receiving or obtaining.
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Word web
grab
pick up
obtain
collect
give
drop
release
put down
get
give
bring
hold
carry
get
give
bring
The BSL sign for 'TAKE' involves a grasping motion (flat O-hand) and pulling back, implying active removal or acquisition. It differs from 'GET' (receiving), which uses a more open hand often moving towards the body without a strong grasping action. It's also less forceful than 'GRAB', which is a quicker, more aggressive motion often with a tense facial expression
Action
acquisition
transfer
possession
Take BSL
grab BSL
pick up BSL
obtain BSL
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