How to sign “Thirsty” in BSL

Food & Drink

BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the British sign. See the ASL sign for “Thirsty” instead

Step by step

  1. Bring your dominant hand, held flat, up to your throat.
  2. Sweep the hand downward across the throat.
  3. Repeat the downward movement once more for emphasis.

Practice tip

Keep the fingers together and the sweep short; the throat location is what carries the meaning.

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.

Browse all 47 BSL signs in the dictionary