How to sign “No” in BSL
BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the British sign. See the ASL sign for “No” instead
Step by step
- Extend your index and middle fingers.
- Tap them against your thumb, like a mouth opening and closing as it says 'no'.
- Add a slight head shake for emphasis if you like.
Practice tip
The tapping fingers look like lips mouthing the word 'no' — that visual link makes it easy to remember.
Text-based guide researched from BSL-specific references (BSL SignBank, BDA-adjacent teaching materials and BSL dictionaries) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade. BSL has regional variation — this is the most widely taught form.