Daily focus
Archive Replay
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Sign of the Day
interest
N/A
A2 Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Open hand, fingers spread, thumb slightly separated
Hand moves from chest outward and slightly forward
Expressing something is engaging or captivating
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 open 5-hand, fingers spread, thumb slightly separate
- Place hand at centre of chest, palm slightly up/forward
- Move hand outward and slightly forward in a small arc
- Maintain handshape throughout
Coach prompt
N/A
Signature details
Handshape
Open hand, fingers spread, thumb slightly separated · Code 5-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm faces slightly forward/upward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
N/A
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.
1.[en] That book interests me. / BSL:[BOOK THAT INTEREST-ME]
This sign is for the verb 'to interest' or 'to be interesting'
Best fit: Expressing something is engaging or captivating
Mirror focus
N/A
Catch the slip
N/A
Use it today
1.[en] That book interests me. / BSL:[BOOK THAT INTEREST-ME]
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'fascinate' or 'like'
When not to use it: When meaning financial interest or a hobby
Regional note: Minor handshape/movement variations possible
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] That film interests me. / BSL:[FILM THAT INTEREST-ME]
2.[en] Does this topic interest you? / BSL:[TOPIC THIS INTEREST-YOU QUESTION]
3.[en] His story interested everyone. / BSL:[HIS STORY INTEREST-ALL]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for interest?
A learner would use this sign to express that something engages their attention, curiosity, or evokes a feeling of being interesting, for example, 'That lesson interests me.'
What do beginners often get wrong when signing interest in BSL?
Beginners often confuse this sign with 'fascinate' due to similar handshapes, or use it when they mean 'like' (a preference) or 'hobby' (leisure activity), rather than 'to engage attention.'
Does the BSL sign for interest change by region or context?
While the core sign for 'interest' (verb) is largely consistent across BSL regions, there might be subtle variations in the exact palm orientation or the exact length/arc of the movement.
Is the BSL sign for interest suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, the sign for 'interest' is suitable for beginners and children. It represents a common concept and its execution is relatively straightforward with a clear, distinct movement.
Which sign is most often confused with interest in BSL?
The sign for 'FASCINATE' is often confused with 'INTEREST' because both involve an open handshape moving away from the body. 'FASCINATE' often has a more pronounced circular or repetitive movement.
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Word web
Engage
attract
fascinate
Bore
disinterest
Curious
keen
excited
Fascinate
Curious
Engage
Learn
Like
This sign uses an open 5-hand moving from the chest outward. It differs from 'FASCINATE' which also uses an open hand but often involves a more pronounced, often circular or repeated, outward movement, conveying a stronger sense of captivation. It also differs from 'LIKE' (preference), which typically uses a 5-hand at the chest, often with a slight upward tilt or a brush, but without the distinct outward arc of 'interest'
Emotions
engagement
learning
Interest
interesting
engage
fascinate
BSL verb
emotions
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