How to sign “Sad” in BSL
BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the British sign. See the ASL sign for “Sad” instead
Step by step
- Hold your dominant hand flat and vertical in front of your face, thumb tucked in.
- Drag the hand downward from nose level to chin level.
- Wear a sad expression while you sign.
Practice tip
Let your face droop slightly — in BSL the expression carries the emotion, not just the hands.
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.