Sunday

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for Sunday is one of the foundational calendar signs you’ll encounter, representing a key anchor in the weekly rhythm. It’s a sign that carries a sense of consistency and often, for many, a feeling of rest or a shift in pace from the busy working week. When you see this sign, you immediately understand that the conversation is grounding itself around that specific, familiar day.

Visually, the sign is quite distinctive. It combines a precise handshape – your dominant hand forming a ‘C’ with your index finger and thumb touching, while your other fingers are extended – with a small, repeated circular movement. This visual elegance makes it relatively easy to recognise and produce once you’ve internalised its components. It’s a clear, unambiguous sign that sets the temporal stage for any communication about the day.

Learning this sign isn’t just about adding a word to your BSL vocabulary; it’s about gaining a building block for countless conversations. Whether you’re planning family gatherings, discussing weekend activities, or simply recounting events from the past week, “Sunday” serves as a crucial reference point. Its straightforward nature means it integrates smoothly into both casual chats and more structured discussions about schedules and time.

When This Sign Feels Natural

The BSL sign for Sunday feels incredibly natural in everyday conversations about planning and recounting. If you’re arranging to meet friends for coffee, you might sign, “Are you free next Sunday?” or when reflecting on the previous week, “Last Sunday, I went for a lovely walk.” It slots perfectly into sentences where you’d verbally state the day, providing that direct temporal marker.

You’ll also find yourself using “Sunday” frequently when discussing regular routines or recurring events. For instance, if you usually visit family or attend a specific activity each week, incorporating the sign for Sunday becomes an intuitive way to communicate that pattern. It’s universally understood when referring to the day itself, making it a reliable choice across various social contexts.

Crucially, for the specific meaning of the day “Sunday,” this is the primary and universally accepted sign in BSL. There isn’t really an alternative BSL sign you’d choose for the day itself. Therefore, whenever you need to mention this particular day of the week, this sign is your go-to. Its clarity and common usage mean it’s appropriate for any audience, from close friends to more formal settings.

What Learners Usually Miss

One common subtlety learners sometimes miss with the BSL sign for Sunday is the precision of the handshape. It’s not just any ‘C’ shape. The key detail is that your index finger and thumb touch, creating a distinct, closed ‘C’, while your other fingers remain extended. Beginners often make a looser ‘C’ or a more general ‘O’ shape, which can obscure the clarity of the sign or even be confused with other signs that use similar but distinct handshapes.

Another frequently overlooked aspect is the movement: it should be a small, repeated circular movement. The emphasis here is on ‘small’ and ‘repeated’. Learners sometimes make the circle too large, too sweeping, or only do a single rotation. An overly large movement can make the sign less efficient and visually less precise. The controlled, repetitive nature is part of what defines this sign and helps it register clearly.

Finally, paying attention to the location and overall fluidity is important. The sign is performed near the dominant shoulder or upper chest area. Ensure it’s not too high up by your ear, nor too low by your waist. While facial expressions for days of the week are typically neutral, the overall rhythm should feel natural and integrated with your other signs, not stiff or isolated. The sign should flow as part of your conversation, not stand out awkwardly.

A Simple Way to Remember It

The BSL sign for Sunday often becomes quite memorable due to its distinct handshape and movement. To help it stick in your mind, try associating its visual and kinetic elements with familiar concepts related to the day.

  • “C” for Calendar Mark: Think of the precise ‘C’ handshape as if you’re circling a specific day on a mental calendar. The index and thumb touching create a neat, contained mark for “Sunday.”
  • The Weekly Rotation: The small, repeated circular movement can represent the consistent cycle of the week, with Sunday being a regular, recurring point within that rotation. It’s a gentle reminder that the week comes full circle.
  • A Quiet Pause: The sign’s location near your shoulder or upper chest, coupled with its contained movement, can evoke the feeling of Sunday being a more personal, perhaps quieter day – a moment to pause and reflect, held close to you.

Short Practice Situations

  • “Are you free next Sunday evening? We could catch up for a chat and a cup of tea.”
  • “Every Sunday, I usually enjoy a lazy morning with a good book and a long breakfast.”
  • “Remember that community clean-up we planned? It’s scheduled for Sunday, the 22nd, starting at ten.”
  • “Last Sunday was a beautiful day; we went for a long, refreshing walk along the canal path.”
  • “I’m really looking forward to Sunday; I have absolutely no plans and can just relax and recharge.”

Signs to Learn Next

  • Monday: Once you’ve mastered Sunday, learning the BSL sign for Monday is a natural progression. It helps you sequence the days of the week and build a solid foundation for discussing schedules.
  • Weekend: With Sunday being a key part of the weekend, learning the sign for “weekend” allows you to talk about leisure time, breaks, and plans that span more than just one day.
  • Week: Understanding the general sign for “week” is crucial for broader time references, enabling you to discuss periods of time and not just individual days, enhancing your overall scheduling vocabulary.
  • Next / Last (time indicator): These directional signs are vital for giving context to “Sunday,” allowing you to specify “next Sunday” or “last Sunday” and avoid ambiguity in your conversations.
  • Calendar: Knowing the sign for “calendar” allows you to talk more generally about schedules, appointments, and future planning, placing individual days like Sunday within a larger organisational framework.

Saturday

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for Saturday is a clear and direct way to refer to the sixth day of the week. It’s a fundamental sign in British Sign Language, essential for daily conversations, scheduling, and discussing weekend plans. What makes this sign particularly easy to grasp is its immediate visual link to the English word, combined with a precise and consistent movement.

You’ll notice the dominant hand forms an ‘S’ shape – that’s a closed fist with your thumb resting across the palm. This handshape isn’t just arbitrary; it’s a visual cue, literally spelling out the first letter of “Saturday” in a dynamic way. This direct connection often helps new learners instantly recognise and recall the sign.

The sign is executed with a distinct wrist twist, typically performed at the side of your face, around your cheek or temple area. This combination of a specific handshape, location, and movement makes it unambiguous. It’s a sign you’ll use frequently, whether you’re talking about past events or eagerly anticipating the weekend ahead.

When This Sign Feels Natural

You’ll find yourself using the sign for Saturday most naturally in everyday conversations about the week’s rhythm and your personal schedule. It’s perfect when you’re making plans with friends, discussing weekend activities, or simply recounting what you did on a particular day. Imagine asking, “Are you free on Saturday?” or declaring, “I’m looking forward to Saturday!” – this sign fits seamlessly into those contexts.

It’s also the go-to sign when you need to specify a day for an appointment, a meeting, or a social gathering. For instance, if you’re arranging a doctor’s visit or a trip to the shops, clearly signing Saturday ensures there’s no confusion about which day you mean. Its straightforward nature means it’s appropriate for all registers of communication, from very casual chats to more formal discussions.

While you might use signs like `WEEK` and `END` together to refer to “the weekend” generally, the sign for Saturday is crucial when you need that precise day. If the specific day matters, perhaps because one day of the weekend offers different opportunities or commitments than the other, always opt for the distinct `SATURDAY` sign. It provides clarity and avoids any potential ambiguity.

What Learners Usually Miss

One common subtlety learners sometimes miss with the BSL sign for Saturday is the precision of the handshape. It’s an ‘S’, yes, but often new signers might let their fingers relax too much, or not secure the thumb across the palm firmly enough. This can make the handshape look vague or even like a different letter, potentially causing confusion. Make sure your fingers are truly curled into a tight fist with the thumb resting distinctly over the knuckles.

Another frequent oversight is the nature of the movement. The instruction says “wrist twists,” and that’s exactly what it means – it’s a gentle, controlled rotation from the wrist itself, not a whole arm movement or a frantic shake. Some learners might use too much arm, making the sign look exaggerated and less fluent. Focus on isolating that wrist action; it should be smooth and rhythmic, back and forth, reflecting the ease of the day.

Lastly, the location of the sign is quite specific: it’s at the side of your face, typically near the cheek or temple. Learners might sometimes drift too far forward, or sign it too low or high. Keeping it consistent in this area helps distinguish it from other signs that might use different facial locations. Remember, for days of the week, your facial expression is usually neutral unless you’re specifically conveying an emotion *about* Saturday, like “I’m so happy it’s Saturday!”

A Simple Way to Remember It

To remember the sign for Saturday, think about its initial letter and how the movement feels. The handshape is the most obvious clue, directly spelling out the start of the word. Combine this with the idea of a gentle, relaxing twist, much like unwinding into the weekend.

  • S for Saturday: The handshape is a literal ‘S’ (fist with thumb across the palm). This direct visual link is incredibly powerful for recall.
  • Weekend Unwind Twist: Imagine you’re gently twisting a cap off a bottle or simply loosening up as the work week ends and the freedom of Saturday begins. This reminds you of the wrist movement.
  • Side-of-Face Sanctuary: Think of Saturday as your calm, happy place, perhaps feeling a gentle, refreshing breeze on the side of your face as you relax. This helps anchor the location.

Short Practice Situations

  • “Are you free on Saturday afternoon for a coffee or a chat?”
  • “My favourite day of the week is definitely Saturday because I can sleep in and relax.”
  • “Let’s plan to meet up next Saturday at the park; the weather should be lovely.”
  • “I always go grocery shopping on Saturday mornings to get it done before the rush.”
  • “What did you get up to last Saturday? Did you do anything fun?”

Signs to Learn Next

  • Sunday: Learning Sunday right after Saturday helps you talk about the entire weekend as a unit and understand the sequence of days.
  • Week: The sign for `WEEK` provides the broader context for all the days, allowing you to discuss “next week” or “every week” effectively.
  • Plan: Often, when we talk about Saturday, we’re also making `PLAN`s, so this sign is a natural companion for arranging activities.
  • Free: This sign frequently pairs with Saturday when you’re asking about someone’s availability or discussing your own leisure time.
  • Next / Last: Mastering these temporal signs allows you to specify `NEXT SATURDAY` or `LAST SATURDAY`, adding crucial time context to your conversations.

Friday

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for Friday is a wonderfully direct and essential sign within British Sign Language. It simply and clearly denotes the fifth day of the week, the gateway to the weekend. You’ll find it’s one of the first time-related signs that many learners pick up, precisely because of its straightforward form and frequent use in everyday conversation. It’s a foundational sign that helps you anchor discussions about schedules, plans, and past events.

Unlike some signs that might have multiple interpretations depending on context or facial expression, “Friday” generally carries a neutral, literal meaning. While the feeling associated with Friday (excitement for the weekend, relief from work) might be conveyed through your overall body language and facial expression in a sentence, the sign itself remains consistent. This reliability makes it a crucial building block for communicating about time.

Learning this sign is more than just adding a word to your BSL vocabulary; it’s about gaining a piece of the conversational rhythm of the Deaf community. It frequently appears in discussions about social gatherings, work schedules, appointments, and shared experiences. Mastering its precise execution ensures your message about this particular day is always understood without ambiguity.

When This Sign Feels Natural

This sign feels natural and appropriate in virtually any context where you’re referring to the day Friday. Whether you’re making plans with a friend, discussing a past event, or setting up a future appointment, this is the sign you’ll reach for. It’s incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into both casual chats and more formal discussions about timetables or deadlines.

You’ll use it when asking, “Are you free on Friday?” or stating, “We have a meeting next Friday.” It’s also perfect for recounting, “Last Friday, I went to the cinema.” Because it’s a core vocabulary sign, it doesn’t carry any particular register; it’s just the standard way to communicate the day. There’s no need to search for an alternative or a more formal version; this sign is universally understood and used by BSL users across the United Kingdom.

Consider how often you mention Friday in spoken English; the BSL sign mirrors that frequency in signed conversation. It’s a natural fit for talking about the end of the working week, social events, or even anticipating leisure time. Integrating it smoothly into your signing will make your BSL feel much more fluid and natural, as it’s a sign that genuinely underpins much of our daily communication about time.

What Learners Usually Miss

One common subtle error learners make with the BSL sign for Friday is the precision of the movement. The sign isn’t a single, firm tap, but rather a repeated, gentle downward tap. Think of it as a soft, rhythmic pat against the side of your mouth or cheek, not a single, decisive strike. Missing this repetition can sometimes make the sign less clear, or in some cases, it might be mistaken for a different sign if the context isn’t strong enough. Focus on that gentle, repeated motion to ensure accuracy.

Another point that often gets overlooked is the exact location. The sign for Friday is made specifically on the side of the mouth or cheek. Some learners might accidentally drift too far forward onto the lips, or too far back towards the ear. While experienced signers might still understand, maintaining the correct anatomical location is crucial for clear communication and developing good signing habits. This precision helps differentiate it from other signs that might use a similar handshape but a different location.

Finally, pay attention to the handshape consistency throughout the movement. Your index finger should remain clearly extended, with the other fingers curled down and the thumb resting naturally. Sometimes, learners might inadvertently let their other fingers slightly uncurl or allow the index finger to bend a little. While it seems minor, maintaining that crisp handshape adds to the sign’s clarity and professionalism. Practising in front of a mirror can be very helpful for refining these subtle details.

A Simple Way to Remember It

To help solidify the sign for Friday in your memory, try to associate its components with how we often feel or think about this particular day:

  • The Index Finger: Think of your extended index finger as pointing forward to the arrival of the weekend, a signal that something good is coming. It’s the “pointer finger” to the end of the work week.
  • The Repeated Tap: Imagine the gentle, repeated tap representing the consistent, rhythmic arrival of Friday each week. It’s a regular, anticipated event, like a gentle knock reminding you the weekend is almost here.
  • Location by the Mouth/Cheek: Picture yourself “speaking” or “announcing” the day Friday, almost as if the sign is coming directly from your words. It’s where you articulate the word.

Short Practice Situations

  • Are you busy this Friday, or are you free to meet for coffee?
  • My team always has a quick catch-up meeting on Friday mornings to plan for the next week.
  • I’m really looking forward to this Friday because I’m starting my holiday right after work.
  • We usually order a takeaway on Friday evenings as a treat to celebrate the end of the week.
  • Do you remember what we did last Friday? I can’t quite recall.

Signs to Learn Next

  • Weekend: Once you know “Friday,” learning “Weekend” is a logical next step, as it naturally follows and completes the concept of the end of the working week.
  • Monday: As another day of the week, “Monday” helps you build out your full understanding of daily schedules and provides a contrast to the anticipation of Friday.
  • Next / Last: These adverbs are incredibly useful to combine with “Friday” to specify whether you’re talking about next Friday or last Friday, adding crucial context to your sentences.
  • Work: Many people associate Friday with the end of the work week, so knowing the sign for “Work” allows you to discuss concepts like “finish work on Friday” or “work all Friday.”
  • Plan: Since Fridays are often a time for making plans, learning “Plan” enables you to ask “What are your plans for Friday?” or “Let’s plan for Friday.”

Thursday

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for Thursday is wonderfully direct and efficient, making it a staple in everyday communication. It clearly represents the fourth day of the working week, serving as a functional cornerstone for scheduling, planning, and reminiscing. Once you’ve mastered this sign, you’ll find it slots effortlessly into a wide range of conversations, from casual chats about weekend plans to more formal discussions about project deadlines.

What makes this sign particularly easy to grasp is its direct link to the English word. Many days of the week in BSL cleverly incorporate the initial letter of their English counterpart, and Thursday is a prime example. You’re forming a clear ‘T’ handshape, which acts as an immediate visual cue for the day, making it highly recognisable and straightforward for learners. This iconic connection is a great foundation for understanding other day signs too.

It’s a clear, unambiguous sign that doesn’t carry a lot of hidden layers of meaning. Its primary purpose is to identify the day. This clarity is a real asset in BSL, where precise communication is key. When you use this sign, you’re not just conveying “Thursday”; you’re also demonstrating a confident command of fundamental BSL vocabulary, which is essential for building fluency.

When This Sign Feels Natural

You’ll find yourself using the BSL sign for Thursday in countless real-life scenarios. It’s perfect for making plans with friends, setting up a weekly catch-up, or confirming appointments. Imagine saying, “Shall we meet next Thursday for lunch?” or “The report is due on Thursday morning.” It’s incredibly versatile and fits naturally into both casual and more formal settings without needing modification.

The sign maintains a neutral register, meaning it’s appropriate for almost any audience – whether you’re chatting with a close Deaf friend, interacting with a colleague, or communicating with a service provider. There’s no need to adjust its size, speed, or facial expression unless the context of what’s happening on Thursday demands it (e.g., “I’m dreading Thursday!” might come with a worried expression, but the sign itself remains the same).

While the sign for Thursday is always your go-to for the day itself, remember how it integrates into a wider conversation. You might sign “SEE YOU NEXT THURSDAY” or “LAST THURSDAY, I WENT SHOPPING.” It’s rarely a standalone sign, but rather a vital component of larger sentences, anchoring your timelines and events. Knowing when and how to weave it into a sentence is just as important as knowing the sign itself.

What Learners Usually Miss

One of the most common subtleties learners miss with the BSL sign for Thursday is the precise formation of the ‘T’ handshape. It’s not just any closed fist; your thumb should be tucked specifically between your index and middle fingers. Often, learners might just tuck their thumb under their index finger or make a looser fist, which can obscure the intended ‘T’ and potentially be confused with other signs that use similar handshapes. Focus on that precise thumb placement – it makes all the difference.

Another area where learners can waver is in the execution of the movement and its exact location. The movement is a clear, single downward arc or tap, near your non-dominant shoulder or upper chest. It shouldn’t be too large or sweeping; it’s a contained, confident action. We sometimes see learners making multiple taps, a hesitant wiggle, or signing it too low near the waist, or too far out from the body. Remember, precision in location and movement helps keep the sign clear and efficient within natural signing space.

The rhythm and confidence of the sign are also crucial. Thursday is a common day, and its sign should be delivered with a singular, decisive motion. Avoid any hesitation or slow, drawn-out movements. Think of it as ticking off a day on a mental calendar – a quick, definite mark. Practising it with this confident, crisp rhythm will ensure your signing feels natural and fluent to native BSL users.

A Simple Way to Remember It

To help this sign stick in your mind, let’s tie its form to a few memorable hooks. These associations can make recall much quicker and embed the sign more deeply than rote memorisation alone.

  • The ‘T’ Connection: This is the most straightforward. The handshape you form is literally the letter ‘T’, the first letter of “Thursday”. Visualise that direct link whenever you practice the sign.
  • Ticking Off the Week: The downward arc or tap can feel like you’re ‘ticking off’ another day from your weekly schedule, moving closer to the weekend. It’s a definite, purposeful action, just like marking a day on a calendar.
  • Close to the Heart: Imagine the location near your non-dominant shoulder or upper chest as signifying a day that’s “close to your heart” – perhaps because it’s almost Friday, or a day you often have important plans.

Short Practice Situations

  • “Are you free to chat next Thursday afternoon about the upcoming project?”
  • “I always look forward to Thursday evenings because that’s when my favourite show airs.”
  • “My dentist appointment has been rescheduled for this coming Thursday at ten o’clock.”
  • “What did you get up to last Thursday? I heard you had a busy day.”
  • “Remember, the deadline for submitting the application forms is strictly this Thursday.”

Signs to Learn Next

  • Days of the Week (e.g., Tuesday, Friday): Learning other days like Tuesday (an ‘T’ handshape with a different movement/location) and Friday (an ‘F’ handshape) will strengthen your understanding of how BSL constructs days, often using initial letters.
  • WEEK: Once you know “Thursday,” it’s natural to learn the sign for “WEEK” to place days into a broader temporal context and discuss periods of time.
  • TODAY / TOMORROW / YESTERDAY: These essential temporal signs are frequently used in conjunction with specific days, allowing you to indicate whether you’re referring to past, present, or future Thursdays.
  • APPOINTMENT / MEET: These signs are often the very reason we need to specify a day like Thursday. Learning them together will help you construct practical sentences for planning and scheduling.
  • CALENDAR / PLAN: Expanding your vocabulary to include “CALENDAR” or “PLAN” allows you to talk about how you organise your Thursdays and the rest of your week, creating a more comprehensive communication toolkit.

Wednesday

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for Wednesday is one of those wonderfully direct signs that often brings a smile to a new learner’s face. At its heart, it’s a clear and unambiguous representation of the fourth day of the week. It belongs to a set of daily signs that are foundational for anyone navigating conversations about planning, scheduling, or simply recalling events. You’ll find yourself using it constantly, whether you’re making arrangements with friends, discussing work commitments, or reflecting on what’s just happened.

What makes this sign so intuitive is its direct visual link to the English word. The dominant hand forms the BSL ‘W’ handshape, which is quite distinct with the index, middle, and ring fingers extended and spread, while your thumb and pinky are tucked neatly away. This handshape immediately anchors the sign to the initial letter of “Wednesday,” offering a strong mnemonic from the outset. It’s a sign built on clarity, designed to be easily recognised and understood within a conversation.

The sign’s movement and location are equally precise, contributing to its distinct identity. It’s performed with a small, gentle circular movement at the side of your dominant temple. This isn’t a large, sweeping gesture, but rather a subtle, contained motion. The combination of the specific ‘W’ handshape, the gentle circular action, and the precise placement ensures that when you sign Wednesday, it’s unmistakably that day and no other. It’s a sign that exudes a quiet confidence in its meaning.

When This Sign Feels Natural

You’ll find the BSL sign for Wednesday fits naturally into a vast array of daily conversations. It’s perfect for all your scheduling needs, whether you’re asking about availability for an informal coffee, confirming a more formal work meeting, or simply narrating your weekly routine. Its neutral tone means it works seamlessly across different registers, from a casual chat with family to a structured discussion in a professional environment. It’s a go-to sign whenever you need to pin down a specific day in the middle of the week.

Consider situations where you’re planning ahead or recalling past events. “Are you free next Wednesday?” or “We had a great catch-up last Wednesday.” These are common phrases where the sign for Wednesday would flow effortlessly. It’s also incredibly useful when providing instructions or deadlines, like “Please submit your report by Wednesday morning.” The clarity of the sign ensures there’s no confusion about which day is being referred to, making it an essential part of effective communication.

While the sign for Wednesday is versatile, it’s always important to consider the broader context. If you’re discussing a general “mid-week point” or “hump day” without needing to specify the exact day, you might sign “middle of the week” instead, or perhaps use a more conceptual sign to convey the feeling of the week’s progression. However, for any instance where the specific calendar day Wednesday is paramount, this sign is your most direct and natural choice. It’s about being precise when precision is needed.

What Learners Usually Miss

One common snag for new learners is achieving the precise handshape for the ‘W’. It’s not simply three fingers up; the index, middle, and ring fingers need to be clearly extended and spread apart, while the thumb and pinky finger must be firmly tucked into your palm. Often, learners might let the pinky drift out, or keep the fingers too close together, which can sometimes make it look like a ‘3’ or lose its distinct ‘W’ identity. Practise forming that clear, crisp ‘W’ handshape until it feels natural and automatic.

Another subtle but crucial element often overlooked is the movement. The sign for Wednesday requires a small, gentle circular movement at the temple. Learners sometimes make the circle too large, too fast, or even forget the circular motion entirely, resulting in a static handshape. It’s not a large sweep or a sharp tap; think of it as a soft, continuous rotation, barely moving off the temple. This gentle, contained movement is key to the sign’s authentic flow and rhythm, making it distinct from other signs that might use similar locations or handshapes.

Finally, the location of the sign can sometimes be a point of minor error. The sign should be performed at the side of your dominant temple – specifically, the area just above and slightly forward of your ear. Some learners place it too far forward on the forehead, too high near the hairline, or too low towards the cheekbone. While these small shifts might still be understood, maintaining the correct, consistent location is vital for clarity, especially in faster conversations or when other signs are used nearby. Accuracy in location contributes significantly to the sign’s recognition and ease of reading.

A Simple Way to Remember It

Think of the sign for Wednesday as a literal and thoughtful nod to the middle of your week. The ‘W’ handshape is the most obvious link, directly spelling out the first letter of the day. Combine this with the location at your temple, a place often associated with thinking, planning, or remembering. The gentle circular movement can evoke the idea of the week gently turning or progressing, moving you steadily from the beginning towards the weekend.

  • W for Wednesday: The BSL ‘W’ handshape is a direct visual cue, making the connection between the sign and the word immediate and strong.
  • “Winding Down” Towards the Weekend: The gentle circular movement at the temple can represent the week slowly turning or winding down, a subtle thought about approaching the weekend.
  • “Working things out” in your head: The temple location is where we often touch when thinking or pondering. It’s like you’re mentally processing your plans or tasks for the mid-week.

Short Practice Situations

  • Are you free to meet up on Wednesday afternoon for a coffee?
  • Our team always has our main planning session on Wednesday morning.
  • I have a dentist appointment next Wednesday, so I’ll be leaving work early.
  • What are your plans for Wednesday evening? I was thinking of watching a film.
  • Please ensure all your submissions are completed and sent by this coming Wednesday.

Signs to Learn Next

  • Tuesday: Learning Tuesday next helps you solidify the sequence of days, as it precedes Wednesday and often shares similar grammatical structures when discussing schedules.
  • Thursday: Following on, Thursday naturally connects to Wednesday as part of the working week, allowing you to practice day-to-day transitions and planning.
  • Week: Understanding the sign for “week” provides essential context, as you’ll often combine “Wednesday” with concepts like “next week,” “every week,” or “last week.”
  • Meeting: Many meetings are scheduled for specific days, so learning “meeting” allows you to immediately put your “Wednesday” sign into practical use in common scenarios.
  • Calendar: The sign for “calendar” helps frame your understanding of days within a broader planning context, enabling discussions about appointments and long-term scheduling.

Monday

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for Monday is one of the foundational signs for discussing time and schedules in British Sign Language. It’s a beautifully concise and efficient sign that immediately conveys the first day of the working week. You’ll notice its distinct G-handshape, where your index finger and thumb extend, while the other fingers curl into your palm.

This sign is performed on the dominant side of your head, specifically around the temple area. The movement is a small, precise twisting or circular motion of the wrist. It’s not a large, sweeping gesture, but a controlled, subtle action that signals the start of the week. Mastering this sign means you’re well on your way to navigating calendar discussions with ease.

Understanding this sign isn’t just about the individual components; it’s about appreciating its consistent placement among other day signs. It anchors the week, setting the stage for all the activities and plans that follow. Its clarity makes it instantly recognisable within the BSL community, making your communication smooth and natural.

When This Sign Feels Natural

You’ll find yourself using the sign for Monday in countless everyday conversations. It feels most natural when you’re discussing plans, recounting past events, or setting future appointments. Imagine signing, “Shall we meet on Monday?” or “What did you do last Monday?” – this sign fits perfectly into these common inquiries and statements.

This sign maintains a neutral register, meaning it’s appropriate in almost any context, whether you’re chatting informally with friends, discussing work commitments, or making formal arrangements. It’s a standard sign that doesn’t carry any particular emotional weight on its own, though your facial expression can, of course, add nuance if you’re expressing a feeling about the day, like the dreaded “Monday morning feeling.”

While you could finger-spell M-O-N-D-A-Y, using the established BSL sign is almost always preferred for efficiency and fluency in regular conversation. Choosing the BSL sign demonstrates your comfort and proficiency with the language, allowing for a much more natural flow in your dialogue with Deaf signers. It truly is the default and most authentic way to express “Monday” in the UK.

What Learners Usually Miss

One common area where learners sometimes falter with the BSL sign for Monday is in the exact handshape. It’s crucial to maintain a clear G-handshape – making sure only your index finger and thumb are extended, and the other three fingers are firmly curled into your palm. Sometimes, learners might relax their other fingers slightly, which can make the sign look less defined or even be mistaken for another sign.

The location and movement are also key. The sign needs to be performed specifically at the temple area, not too far back towards the ear or too far forward on the forehead. The twisting motion is small and controlled. It’s a subtle rotation of the wrist, not a large, sweeping circle or just a static hold. Over-exaggerating the movement can make the sign appear clumsy, while too little movement might make it unclear.

Another subtle point often missed is the typical neutral facial expression that accompanies days of the week. While you can certainly add expression to convey your feelings about a particular Monday, the sign itself doesn’t inherently demand a specific expression. Learners sometimes inadvertently adopt a quizzical or over-emphatic look, which can be distracting. Aim for a relaxed, natural face unless you deliberately intend to convey an emotion.

A Simple Way to Remember It

Thinking about the form and function of the BSL sign for Monday can help embed it in your memory. It’s a practical sign, and connecting it to how we start our week can make it stick.

  • The “Start” Pointer: Imagine your extended index finger pointing to the beginning of the week. Monday is the first day, and that G-hand is like a little arrow directing your thoughts to the start.
  • Temporal Thoughts: The sign is at your temple, a place often associated with thinking, planning, and scheduling. It’s like you’re “thinking about” or “planning your week” right from its very first day.
  • The Weekly Turn: The small twisting motion can be visualised as “turning the page” to a new week on a mental calendar, or the subtle but consistent rhythm of the days cycling around.

Short Practice Situations

  • “I’ll see you on Monday for our BSL class.”
  • “What exciting things did you get up to last Monday?”
  • “Every Monday, I make sure to plan out my tasks for the week.”
  • “The new exhibition opens next Monday at the gallery.”
  • “I always feel a bit tired on Monday mornings, don’t you?”

Signs to Learn Next

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Naturally, once you know Monday, learning the rest of the days of the week is your logical next step. Many share similar handshapes or locations, building on what you’ve learned.
  • Week: This sign connects directly, as Monday is a part of the broader concept of a “week.” Understanding “week” allows you to talk about weekly routines or how many Mondays are left until an event.
  • Morning / Afternoon / Evening: To be more specific about when something happens on Monday, these time-of-day signs are invaluable. “Monday morning” is a very common phrase to sign.
  • Next / Last: These directional signs are crucial for specifying “next Monday” or “last Monday.” They add essential context to your time references and help you place events accurately.
  • Calendar / Schedule: Learning signs related to organising your time, like “calendar” or “schedule,” will help you integrate “Monday” into discussions about planning and appointments even more effectively.

today

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for today is one of those foundational signs that you’ll use constantly in everyday conversation. It’s beautifully direct and visually intuitive, immediately grounding your communication in the present moment. Unlike some signs that carry a nuanced emotional tone, “today” is generally neutral, serving as a straightforward temporal marker. It tells your audience exactly when something is happening, setting the stage for the rest of your message.

Visually, imagine presenting the entire day, or “all that is happening now,” right in front of you. Both hands start near your chest or shoulders, flat and open, almost as if holding the concept of the current day. They then move forward and slightly down in a smooth, gentle arc. This movement signifies bringing the present from within your thoughts or current awareness, out into shared space. It’s a clear, unambiguous statement that says, “This is the time we are talking about.”

Mastering this sign early on is incredibly valuable. It’s not just a standalone word; it’s a building block for more complex time concepts and a crucial element for establishing the timeline of events in BSL. Its simplicity belies its importance, as it helps prevent confusion about when an action or event is taking place, making your signed conversations much clearer and more precise from the outset.

When This Sign Feels Natural

You’ll find yourself reaching for the BSL sign for “today” in countless everyday scenarios. It feels most natural when discussing plans, current events, immediate tasks, or how you’re feeling right now. Think about asking a friend, “What are you doing today?” or sharing, “I have a lot of work today.” It’s perfectly suited for setting the daily schedule, reflecting on the current mood, or talking about anything that is explicitly happening within the boundaries of the current twenty-four-hour period.

The register for “today” is wonderfully versatile, fitting comfortably into most conversational contexts. Whether you’re having an informal chat with family, a more structured discussion with colleagues, or participating in a formal presentation, this sign holds its ground. It’s a standard, universally understood time marker that doesn’t carry specific connotations of formality or informality, making it a reliable choice for almost any audience you might encounter in the UK Deaf community.

While “today” is indispensable, there are times you might consider alternatives or more specific time markers. For instance, if you’re talking about specific parts of the day, you might sign “this morning,” “this afternoon,” or “tonight.” Or, if the context of your conversation has already clearly established that you’re discussing current events, you might omit “today” altogether, as natural BSL often relies on context to convey meaning, much like spoken English. Avoid overusing it if the temporal reference is already obvious to prevent your signing from becoming redundant.

What Learners Usually Miss

One common oversight for new learners is the subtle but important quality of the movement. The hands don’t just push forward; they trace a smooth, gentle arc, starting higher near the chest/shoulders and moving forward and slightly down to end in front of the body. Beginners sometimes make the movement too abrupt, too small, or too high. Focus on the graceful sweep that brings the current moment into focus, ensuring it feels fluid and natural, not stiff or stunted.

Another area where learners often stumble is ensuring both hands work in perfect synchronicity and maintain the correct handshape throughout the movement. Your hands should be flat, fingers together, and thumbs alongside, moving as a unified pair. Sometimes one hand might lead slightly, or the handshape might loosen. The power of this sign comes from the symmetrical, combined presentation of both hands, clearly indicating a complete, unified period of time. Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your hands are mirroring each other’s path and form precisely.

Finally, while “today” itself doesn’t demand a specific facial expression (it’s often quite neutral), learners sometimes forget its role in establishing the rhythm of a signed sentence. This sign often acts as a temporal anchor, setting the stage for what follows. It should be signed with a clear, confident presence, not rushed or mumbled. Also, be mindful of overuse; once you’ve established the current day, you don’t always need to repeat “today” in every subsequent sentence if the context remains clear. Trust the flow of the conversation and the intelligence of your audience.

A Simple Way to Remember It

Think of the sign for “today” as literally presenting the current day to someone. Your flat hands are like two open palms, offering up the present moment, sweeping it from your personal space out into the shared conversation. It’s a clear, open gesture that makes the concept of “now” tangible and visible for everyone. Imagine unwrapping the day and laying it out before you.

  • Presenting the Day: Picture your flat hands holding “today’s events” and gently presenting them forward to your audience, like a gift or an important document.
  • Sweeping into Now: The arc movement can be seen as sweeping away the past and bringing everything into the immediate “now,” right in front of you.
  • Two Hands, One Day: Using both hands reinforces that you’re talking about the entire current day, complete and whole, not just a part of it.

Short Practice Situations

  • Ask a friend: “What are your plans for today?”
  • Share a feeling: “I’m feeling quite tired today, so I’ll take it easy.”
  • Make a request: “Can we finish discussing this important topic today?”
  • Refer to an event: “The community event today was incredibly well-attended.”
  • Compare time: “Today’s weather is much warmer than it was yesterday.”

Signs to Learn Next

  • Yesterday: This is the natural progression from “today,” immediately establishing the past tense and allowing you to talk about recent events.
  • Tomorrow: Completing the essential trio, “tomorrow” allows you to discuss future plans and events, building on your understanding of time markers.
  • Now/Currently: While “today” refers to the whole day, “now” is more precise, often indicating an exact moment within “today.” Learning it helps you pinpoint timing.
  • This Week: Extending the concept of a current time period, “this week” uses similar principles to “today” but broadens the scope to seven days.
  • Morning/Afternoon/Evening: These signs break down “today” into specific segments, allowing for more detailed and nuanced communication about when things happen within the current day.

week

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for week is one of those foundational time signs that truly captures the essence of a recurring cycle. It visually represents a period of seven days in a way that feels incredibly intuitive once you understand its structure. When you see this sign, you’re immediately shown a duration, a segment of time that loops back around, much like our calendar weeks do.

This sign stands out because it uses both hands in a very specific, complementary way. Your dominant hand, with its extended index finger, acts almost like a pointer or a marker, tracing the path of time. Meanwhile, your non-dominant hand provides the stable base, the “canvas” or “platform” upon which this temporal movement unfolds. It’s a clear, concise visual for a concept we use daily, making it an essential part of discussing schedules, plans, and events in BSL.

You’ll find this sign used in countless contexts, from casual conversations about upcoming plans to more formal discussions about project timelines. It’s a neutral sign in terms of emotion, but its clarity means you can easily adapt it to express anything from a “long week” (with appropriate facial expression) to a “quick week.” Mastering its basic form is a key step in building your BSL fluency for discussing time.

When This Sign Feels Natural

The BSL sign for week feels most natural when you’re talking about periods of time that are defined by seven-day blocks. Think about everyday conversations: “I’ll see you next week,” “We had a fantastic holiday last week,” or “I need a few weeks to finish this task.” In these situations, the sign slots in perfectly, immediately conveying the duration you mean.

It’s also crucial when combining it with numbers to specify duration, such as “two weeks” or “three weeks.” Here, you’ll sign the number first, followed by the sign for week. This combination is incredibly common and efficient. You wouldn’t typically use a different sign for the concept of a “week” itself, but rather combine it with other signs to express variations like “weekend” or to indicate a specific day within the week.

Consider your audience and the context. For general conversation in the UK deaf community, this is the standard and expected way to refer to a week. There’s no need to switch to a more formal or informal alternative; the sign itself is inherently versatile. Just remember that it’s often accompanied by other signs like NEXT, LAST, or specific numbers to give it full meaning in a sentence.

What Learners Usually Miss

A common pitfall for learners is getting the exact placement and movement of the dominant hand right. The index finger should circle above the non-dominant palm, not directly on it or scraping against it. Imagine it hovering just a centimetre or two above. If it’s too high, it might lose its connection to the non-dominant hand’s “base”; too low, and it becomes awkward or unclear. The circle itself should be smooth and continuous, not jerky or too small.

Another subtle but important detail is the steadiness of your non-dominant hand. It needs to remain flat, with fingers together, acting as a stable platform throughout the movement. Some learners unconsciously let this hand wobble or relax, which can detract from the sign’s clarity. Keep it firm and consistent, positioned around chest height, allowing your dominant hand to perform its circular action clearly within that designated space.

Finally, pay attention to the scale of the circle. It shouldn’t be a tiny, cramped movement, nor should it be a huge, sweeping gesture. Think of a circle that’s roughly the size of a small teacup saucer. This moderate size ensures the sign is clear and comfortable to execute, contributing to the natural rhythm of your signing. Getting these small details right will make your sign for “week” much more fluid and understandable.

A Simple Way to Remember It

Visualising the sign can really help it stick in your memory. Think of your non-dominant hand as a calendar page or a flat representation of time, and your dominant index finger as a pen or a pointer that’s marking off the seven days as it completes a cycle. This cyclical movement clearly represents the recurring nature of a week.

  • The Cycle of Time: The dominant index finger moving in a circle over your non-dominant hand directly illustrates the idea of a week as a recurring cycle of days.
  • Calendar Tracking: Imagine your index finger is an arrow on a clock or a finger tracing the days on a physical calendar, completing a full “rotation” for one week.
  • The Base of Duration: Your non-dominant hand provides the stable base, representing the ‘block’ or ‘container’ of time that the week occupies, while the index finger shows its passage.

Short Practice Situations

  • I’m really looking forward to a relaxing week at the beach next month.
  • How many weeks until the project deadline? We need to get organised.
  • We had such a busy week at work, I’m glad it’s the weekend now.
  • Let’s plan to meet up for coffee again next week, same time and place.
  • I’ve been attending BSL classes for a few weeks now and I’m loving it.

Signs to Learn Next

  • DAY: Understanding “day” is crucial as “week” is composed of seven days. Often, you’ll see people sign a number then “day” to specify a duration less than a week, complementing the “week” sign.
  • MONTH: This sign represents the next larger unit of time, often involving a similar circular movement, helping you describe longer periods like “a few months” or “next month.”
  • YEAR: The sign for “year” typically involves an even larger cyclical movement, building on the concept of time cycles established with “week” and “month.”
  • NEXT: Learning “next” allows you to easily form phrases like “next week,” essential for discussing future plans and events.
  • LAST: Similarly, “last” is vital for talking about past events, enabling you to sign “last week” and refer to recent history.
🤟 Ready to start?

Learn British Sign Language.
Join the Deaf community.

500+ signs · Level system · Real BSL videos · Completely free to begin

Start Learning Free Join Discord
Deaf-first design No credit card needed 10,000+ learners
Join Discord