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Thursday, January 22, 2026
Sign of the Day
decimetre
BSL sign for 'decimetre' uses the G-handshape, flicked forward from the dominant chest/shoulder area
B2 Rare Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
Today’s Snapshot
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Index finger extended, others curled, thumb rests
Short, quick forward flick of the wrist
Used in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form G-handshape
- Place dominant G-hand at chest/shoulder
- Flick wrist briefly forward
- Keep other fingers curled
Coach prompt
Practice the G-handshape and short, sharp wrist flick. Focus on correct location
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, others curled, thumb rests · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward or slightly outward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouthing 'decimetre' or 'dm'
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.
[en] The rod measured three decimetres. / BSL: ROD MEASURE THREE DECIMETRE
Often accompanied by mouthing 'decimetre' or 'dm'
Best fit: Used in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts
Mirror focus
Practice the G-handshape and short, sharp wrist flick. Focus on correct location
Catch the slip
Ensure wrist flick is precise and quick, not a large arm movement
Use it today
[en] The rod measured three decimetres. / BSL: ROD MEASURE THREE DECIMETRE
Common mistakes: Confusing with fingerspelled 'G' or number 'one'
When not to use it: Informal conversation unless context requires
Regional note: Limited, as a technical term
Cultural note: Metric units are standard in UK education
1.[en] Ten decimetres. / BSL:[TEN DECIMETRE]
2.[en] Measure in decimetres. / BSL:[MEASURE DECIMETRE]
3.[en] A decimetre ruler. / BSL:[DECIMETRE RULER]
What is the BSL sign for decimetre?
It's a one-handed sign using the G-handshape, flicked forward from the dominant chest/shoulder area.
How do you sign decimetre in BSL?
Form a G-hand, place it near your dominant chest/shoulder, then flick your wrist forward quickly.
Is decimetre one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'decimetre' is a one-handed sign, performed with your dominant hand.
What handshape is used for decimetre in BSL?
The G-handshape is used, with the index finger extended and other fingers curled, thumb resting.
How does decimetre differ from similar signs in BSL?
It's distinct in its specific combination of G-hand, short flick, and chest/shoulder location, unlike other G-hand signs like 'G' (fingerspelled) or 'one'.
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Word web
One-tenth metre
Decametre
hectometre
kilometre
Length
measurement
metre
metric
metre
centimetre
millimetre
length
measure
distance
G (fingerspelled): Uses the same G-handshape but typically moves slightly forward/down from shoulder, without a flick. Used for spelling, not measurement. ONE (number): Same G-handshape, usually held stationary or moved minimally in neutral space, no flick. Used for counting. CENTIMETRE: Uses a different handshape (often C or F) and a distinct movement or location
Measurement
metric
science
maths
unit
BSL decimetre
sign for decimetre
metric unit BSL
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