How to Sign Simple Phrases in British Sign Language

Co-authored by Annabel Barker

Last Updated: September 13, 2020 References Approved

This page will teach you some basic phrases in British Sign Language. These phrases will enable you to communicate with deaf people and expand on your vocabulary.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Asking How Someone Is

1
Start by signing 'How are you?':
- Use your fingertips of both hands (flat) run your hands up your chest.
- Then move your hands forwards with a thumbs up.
- When signing this phrase, use a questioning expression. ^{[1]
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2
Learn how to sign responses. When you get a response from someone, they may ask you the same question. You can now learn how to respond with simple answers.
- In BSL 'I'm fine' and 'How are you?' use the same signs. Repeat the sign for 'How are you?' in step 1. ^{[2]
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- Sign 'I'm happy':
  - Use your index finger to point to your chest,
  - Then use your working hand in a cupped shape to stroke twice across supporting palm, moving towards the heel of the hand. ^{[3]
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- Sign 'I'm sad':
  - Use your index finger to point to your chest,
  - Then use both index fingers to point up at the sides of your lips and make a short downward motion.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Asking For Someone's Name

1
Ask for someone's name. In BSL grammar is different. This means that instead of signing 'What is your name' you sign 'Name what'. Start by signing 'Name'. Now sign 'What'. Combine 'Name' and 'What'. Now you can sign 'What is your name' ^{[5]
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- To sign 'Name':
  - Put the tips of your index and middle fingers ('N' shape) to touch your forehead.
  - Then, twist your hand forwards at the wrist until your fingers are facing in front of your face. ^{[6]
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- To sign 'What':
  - Point your wrist out in front of you with your palm facing forward.
  - Then put your pointer finger up and wiggle it from side to side once. ^{[7]
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  - When signing this phrase, use a questioning expression.
2
Learn to sign your name. To respond to this question, you can use the BSL alphabet to fingerspell your name.^{[8]
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Research source} After learning the BSL alphabet you can sign 'My name is...'
- To sign 'My name is...' you sign 'Name' and 'My'.
- Sign 'Name':
  - Put the tips of your index and middle fingers ('N' shape) to touch your forehead.
  - Then, twist your hand forwards at the wrist until your fingers are facing in front of your face. ^{[9]
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- Sign 'My':
  - Place a closed hand onto the centre of your chest. ^{[10]
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  - When spelling your name, mouth your name at the same time.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Asking For Help

1
Ask a deaf person for help. The sign is very simple.
- Sign 'Help':
  - Use your non dominant hand flat (palm up).
  - Then, use your dominant hand to do a thumbs up on top. ^{[11]
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- Sign 'Can I help you?':
  - Use the sign for help.
  - Do a forwards motion at the same time.
- To sign 'Can you help?':
  - Sign 'Help'
  - Then point your index finger at the other person.
2
Learn how to respond. ^{[12]
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- To sign 'Please':
  - Place the fingertips of your dominant hand on your lips.
  - Then move the hand away from your face (same position),
  - Mouth 'Please' at the same time. ^{[13]
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- To sign 'Thank you':
  - Use the same sign as above.
  - Mouth 'Thank you' instead. ^{[14]
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- To sign 'Yes':
  - Make your hand into a fist
  - Rotate forwards. ^{[15]
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- To sign 'No':
  - Use both palms facing forward straight in front of your chest (arm straight out)
  - Then pull them apart with a sharp motion. ^{[16]
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- To sign 'Sorry':
  - Make your hand into a fist
  - Rub again the centre of your chest in a circular motion. ^{[17]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I say "I don't understand" in sign language?

Annabel

Community Answer

Sign "understand" by using your dominant hand. Use the sign for the letter "C" and turn it so it is now a "U" shape. Put this shape at the opposite side of your forehead and slide it straight across to the other side of your forehead. While doing this, use a puzzled face, changing your facial expression and eyebrow shape to show confusion.
Question

How do I sign "how long"?

Annabel

Community Answer

Slide your dominant hand up your non-dominant arm (palms facing downwards) and then flick your dominant hand upward and place it on top of your wrist.
Question

How do I sign "I like fish and chips" in BSL?

Annabel

Community Answer

Sign 'I' by placing your pointer finger toward you, touching the middle of your chest. Sign 'like' by tapping the palm of your hand over your heart twice. To sign 'fish', put your thumb on your chin and wriggle your other 4 fingers up and down. Lastly, sign 'chips' by having both your pointer finger and thumb wide apart in the middle of your chest and bring apart while gradually bringing your thumb and pointer fingers together.