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Archive Replay
Monday, January 19, 2026
Sign of the Day
late
The BSL sign for 'late' uses an 'L' handshape, moving forward and down from the chest area. Non-manual features like a frown or puffed cheeks can add emphasis
A1 Very Common Adjective British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Index finger and thumb extended, other fingers curled into palm, forming an 'L' shape
Moves forward and slightly downward in an arc
Used when someone or something is not punctual
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 L-hand on dominant hand
- Place near dominant side of chest/shoulder
- Move hand forward and slightly downward
- Finish with hand slightly lower than starting point
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'late' in different contexts and with varying non-manual expressions
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger and thumb extended, other fingers curled into palm, forming an 'L' shape · Code L-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward or slightly towards the non-dominant side
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'ooh' or puffed cheeks
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.
I was late for the meeting
The intensity of the movement or non-manual features can indicate how late
Best fit: Used when someone or something is not punctual
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'late' in different contexts and with varying non-manual expressions
Catch the slip
Ensure correct 'L' handshape, smooth arc movement, and appropriate non-manuals
Use it today
I was late for the meeting
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'tomorrow' due to similar handshape
When not to use it: N/A
Regional note: Minimal variation across the UK
Cultural note: Punctuality is often valued; being late can sometimes imply disrespect
1.[en] I am late. / BSL: ME LATE
2.[en] Sorry, I'm late. / BSL: SORRY, ME LATE
3.[en] The train was late. / BSL: TRAIN LATE
When would a learner use the BSL sign for late?
A learner would use this sign to express that someone or something is not on time. This could be for a meeting, an appointment, or a scheduled event.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing late in BSL?
Beginners often confuse 'LATE' with 'TOMORROW' due to similar handshapes. The key difference is the location and specific movement. 'LATE' is from the chest; 'TOMORROW' starts near the cheek.
Does the BSL sign for late change by region or context?
The core sign for 'late' is widely understood and has minimal regional variation across the UK. Context might influence non-manuals (e.g., a more concerned expression if very late).
Is the BSL sign for late suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, the BSL sign for 'late' is a fundamental and common concept, making it highly suitable for beginners and children learning BSL vocabulary.
Which sign is most often confused with late in BSL?
The sign for 'TOMORROW' is frequently confused with 'LATE'. While both use an 'L' handshape, 'TOMORROW' starts near the cheek/ear and moves forward, distinct from 'LATE's chest origin.
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Word web
N/A
Early
On time
Punctual
Delay
Overdue
Absent
Early
On Time
Meeting
Appointment
Delayed
The BSL sign for 'LATE' uses an 'L' handshape moving forward and down from the chest. It is often confused with 'TOMORROW', which also uses an 'L' handshape but starts near the cheek/ear and moves forward, sometimes with a slight wrist twist. The alphabet 'L' sign is static, simply holding the 'L' handshape, without the movement of 'LATE'
Time
Delay
Punctuality
Absence
Tardy
Not on time
Behind schedule
Overdue
delay
Come Back Tomorrow
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