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Thursday, January 1, 2026
Sign of the Day
drawer
The BSL sign for 'drawer' mimics the action of pulling open a drawer, typically with a closed fist handshape moving outwards from the body
A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms a closed fist (S-hand), as if grasping a handle
Pull hand straight outwards from the body, then return slightly
Used when referring to furniture drawers, storage compartments, or the action of opening one
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-hand (closed fist)
- Place hand near body, palm down
- Pull hand outwards horizontally
- Return hand slightly and repeat once
Coach prompt
Practice forming an S-hand and performing the repeated outward pulling motion
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a closed fist (S-hand), as if grasping a handle · Code S-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm generally faces downwards or slightly towards the body
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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My socks are in the top drawer
The sign clearly mimics the physical action of pulling open a drawer
Best fit: Used when referring to furniture drawers, storage compartments, or the action of opening one
Mirror focus
Practice forming an S-hand and performing the repeated outward pulling motion
Catch the slip
Ensure your handshape is a clear S-hand (closed fist) and the movement is a distinct horizontal pull
Use it today
My socks are in the top drawer
Common mistakes: Confusing with the general verb 'pull' or specific types of opening
When not to use it: Do not use for a person who draws pictures (artist) or the act of drawing
Regional note: Minor variations in handshape (e.g., A-hand) or the exact pulling motion may occur
1.[en] Open the top drawer. / BSL:[TOP DRAWER OPEN]
2.[en] My clothes are in the drawer. / BSL:[MY CLOTHES DRAWER]
3.[en] Where is the drawer? / BSL:[DRAWER WHERE?]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for drawer?
A learner would use this sign to refer to furniture drawers, storage compartments, or when describing where items are kept within such compartments. It's common in household conversations.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing drawer in BSL?
Beginners might confuse it with the general verb 'PULL', or use an incorrect handshape. The key is the specific, repeated horizontal pull with a closed fist, mimicking the drawer's handle and action.
Does the BSL sign for drawer change by region or context?
While the core meaning and action remain consistent across BSL regions, minor variations in the exact handshape (e.g., A-hand instead of S-hand) or the extent of the pulling movement might be observed. Context usually doesn't change the sign itself.
Is the BSL sign for drawer suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, the sign for 'drawer' is straightforward, iconic, and commonly used, making it very suitable for beginners and children learning BSL vocabulary related to household items and furniture.
Which sign is most often confused with drawer in BSL?
The sign for 'DRAWER' is most often confused with the general verb 'PULL'. While similar in motion, 'DRAWER' typically involves a repeated, shorter pull specifically for the compartment, whereas 'PULL' can be a single, more forceful action for various objects.
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Word web
Storage compartment
Chest of drawers
cabinet
cupboard
table
shelf
cabinet
open
The BSL sign for DRAWER is similar to the verb PULL. DRAWER typically uses a repeated horizontal pulling motion with an S-hand, specifically mimicking opening a drawer. PULL (verb) can use a similar motion but is often a single, stronger pull, and is used in many contexts beyond furniture. Another related sign is CUPBOARD, which often uses B-hands to outline a rectangular shape and may involve opening doors, distinct from DRAWER's pulling action
Furniture
storage
household
object
Drawer
chest of drawers
cabinet
cupboard
Household
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