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Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Sign of the Day
pause
The BSL sign for PAUSE uses a dominant S-hand (fist) moving forward then stopping sharply in mid-air. This indicates a temporary halt or break
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms a closed fist, thumb tucked or alongside fingers (S-hand)
Dominant S-hand moves forward and stops abruptly
To indicate a temporary halt in an activity, conversation, or process
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How to form the sign
- Form S-hand (fist) with dominant hand
- Palm faces down or slightly forward
- Move hand forward a short distance
- Stop hand abruptly in mid-air
Coach prompt
Practice forming a firm S-hand and making a clear, abrupt stop. Focus on the 'mm' mouth pattern
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a closed fist, thumb tucked or alongside fingers (S-hand) · Code S
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm usually faces down or slightly forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'mm' (lips together, not rounded)
Body shift
None
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We need to take a pause before continuing
The abrupt and clear stop in the hand's movement is crucial to convey the meaning of a halt
Best fit: To indicate a temporary halt in an activity, conversation, or process
Mirror focus
Practice forming a firm S-hand and making a clear, abrupt stop. Focus on the 'mm' mouth pattern
Catch the slip
Ensure your S-hand is closed tightly and the forward movement concludes with a sudden, definite stop
Use it today
We need to take a pause before continuing
Common mistakes: Not making the stop abrupt enough; using an incorrect handshape
When not to use it: Do not use for a permanent end or conclusion; use 'STOP' or 'FINISH' instead
Regional note: The sign is generally consistent across the UK
Cultural note: Used to manage turn-taking or emphasize a moment of reflection in dialogue
1.[en] Let's take a pause. / BSL:[Sign PAUSE]
2.[en] I need a short pause. / BSL:[Sign SHORT then PAUSE]
3.[en] He asked for a pause. / BSL:[Sign HE ASK then PAUSE]
What is the BSL sign for pause?
The BSL sign for PAUSE involves forming an S-hand (fist) with your dominant hand, moving it forward, and then stopping it abruptly in mid-air.
How do you sign pause in BSL?
Make an S-hand with your dominant hand, palm down or slightly forward. Move your hand a short distance forward in front of you, then stop it suddenly and clearly.
Is pause one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for PAUSE in BSL is typically a one-handed sign, performed with the dominant hand.
What handshape is used for pause in BSL?
The handshape used for PAUSE in BSL is the S-hand, which is a closed fist with the thumb either tucked or alongside the fingers.
How does pause differ from similar signs in BSL?
PAUSE (S-hand, abrupt air stop) differs from STOP (dominant B-hand strikes non-dominant B-hand palm) by its non-contact movement. It also differs from WAIT (two open B-hands, wiggling fingers) in handshape and meaning, implying a halt rather than patience.
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Word web
Break
halt
stop
interval
rest
Continue
resume
flow
Stop
wait
interlude
delay
break
Stop
Break
Wait
PAUSE (S-hand, dominant hand moves forward and stops abruptly in air, palm down) differs from STOP (dominant B-hand strikes palm of non-dominant B-hand) which signifies a more definite end. It also differs from WAIT (two B-hands, palms up, fingers wiggling) which implies holding on or patience, not a sudden halt
Time
break
halt
stop
interval
BSL pause
sign for pause
stop BSL
break sign
temporary halt
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