Daily focus
Archive Replay
Friday, January 9, 2026
Sign of the Day
volume
This BSL sign represents the concept of sound level. It uses a specific handshape and wrist movement near the ear
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist
Wrist twists side to side repeatedly
Discussing sound levels of devices, music, speech
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 a G-hand with index finger extended
- Place hand near the ear
- Twist wrist back and forth repeatedly
Coach prompt
Practice signing "volume" while thinking of adjusting a radio dial
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist · Code G-hand variant
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Side-facing or slightly forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
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.
Can you increase the volume?
Often accompanied by a facial expression to convey the desired level
Best fit: Discussing sound levels of devices, music, speech
Mirror focus
Practice signing "volume" while thinking of adjusting a radio dial
Catch the slip
Ensure index finger is extended, wrist twists, and sign is near the ear
Use it today
Can you increase the volume?
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'hear' if location/movement is off
When not to use it: For 'volume' as in 'amount' or 'book volume'
Regional note: Minor variations in exact location/movement may exist
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] Turn up the volume. / BSL:[Sign VOLUME, then UP gesture]
2.[en] The volume is too low. / BSL:[Sign VOLUME, then LOW gesture]
3.[en] What volume? / BSL:[Sign VOLUME, then WH-question facial expression]
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Word web
Loudness
intensity
sound level
amplification
Quietness
silence
softness
Sound
music
speaker
radio
TV
Sound
Music
Loud
Quiet
HEAR: Uses a flat B-hand or cupped hand near the ear, moving slightly inward or touching the ear. "Volume" uses a G-hand and a clear twisting wrist motion. LISTEN: Often involves a similar location, but might use an open B-hand or C-hand, sometimes with a slight forward lean or more sustained contact. "Volume" is distinct with its G-hand and rotational wrist action. SOUND (as in 'noise'): Often a repeated G-hand moving outwards from the ear or a two-handed sign with cupped hands. "Volume" is specifically about the level of sound, not just sound itself
Sound
audio
electronics
noise
BSL volume sign
sound level BSL
turn up volume BSL
Electronics
sound
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