How to Sign M in British Sign Language (BSL): Visual Guide

Sign

In the British Sign Language (BSL) fingerspelling alphabet, the letter M is commonly formed by placing three fingertips of the dominant hand against the open palm of the non-dominant hand. Because a written description cannot fully convey orientation and natural production, use the linked BSL demonstrations as your visual reference before practising.

This guide concerns British Sign Language, not American Sign Language (ASL). BSL and ASL are separate languages with different fingerspelling alphabets. BSL fingerspelling generally uses two hands, while the ASL manual alphabet uses one.

What is fingerspelling in BSL?

Fingerspelling represents letters from the written alphabet using conventional hand configurations. It is one part of BSL, not a replacement for the language. BSL is a visual language with its own vocabulary and grammar; it is not simply spoken English represented by the hands.

People may fingerspell names, place names, technical terms or words for which an established sign is unknown or unclear in context. In BSL conversation, fingerspelling appears alongside established signs, facial and mouth components, movement and grammatical use of signing space.

Not every deaf or hard-of-hearing person uses BSL, and communication preferences vary. Ask the individual what works for them rather than assuming that fingerspelling will be appropriate.

To study all the letters, visit our British Sign Language alphabet guide. You can also learn about the difference between ASL and BSL.

See M demonstrated in British Sign Language

View the M comparison page on SignBSL to see moving examples. The page brings together demonstrations from different sources, making it more useful than a still image for checking the complete handshape and orientation.

The source and usage rights for the MP4 previously hosted directly on this page could not be established clearly from the current SignBSL listing, so it has not been republished here. Follow the link above to view the demonstrations in their present source context and check the attribution displayed with each example.

How the BSL letter M is formed

The following description is a learning aid rather than a definitive substitute for a specialist demonstration. BSL has regional and individual variation, so compare these points with the current examples on SignBSL or with teaching from a qualified BSL professional.

Prepare the non-dominant hand: hold it open and relaxed so that the palm provides the contact surface.
Shape the dominant hand: bring together the index, middle and ring fingers. These three fingertips are the main feature to notice.
Make contact: place the three fingertips against the open palm, matching the orientation shown in a current demonstration.
Keep the contact visible: use a comfortable position in front of your body without hiding the meeting point between the hands.

Avoid pressing hard or making an exaggerated movement. The aim is a relaxed, readable formation. While fingerspelling a word, keep the same hand dominant rather than swapping the roles of the hands between letters.

Can M be signed left-handed?

Yes. A left-handed signer can mirror a right-handed demonstration, using the left hand as the dominant hand and the right as the non-dominant hand. Consistency is more important than copying a right-handed model literally. Maintain the same dominant hand throughout a fingerspelled word so the sequence remains clear.

The useful mechanism: distinguish M from N by counting

M and N can look similar to a beginner. A practical recognition mechanism is to count the dominant fingertips that contact the open palm:

M has three contact fingertips: index, middle and ring.
N has two contact fingertips: index and middle.

In short, think three for M and two for N. This is a useful memory aid, but do not rely on finger count alone. Check the complete handshape and orientation against a moving demonstration.

At conversational speed, the distinction may be brief. Practise from both perspectives: produce each letter yourself and recognise it when somebody else signs it. Receptive skill—understanding another signer—is as important as remembering how to form a letter.

A short M practice routine

Practise in a well-lit space where both hands are easy to see. A mirror can help you notice whether the three contact fingertips remain visible, although it cannot replace feedback from a teacher.

Watch a complete M demonstration without copying it immediately.
Form M slowly and hold the shape briefly.
Relax both hands, then repeat the letter five times without rushing.
Alternate M and N, checking three fingertips for M and two for N.
Fingerspell M-U-M slowly while keeping one hand dominant.
Ask a learning partner to present M or N in random order and identify each letter.
Increase your pace only when every letter remains readable.

When fingerspelling a complete word, avoid saying or mouthing each letter individually. The University of Surrey’s BSL fingerspelling learning resource advises mouthing the whole word instead. Keep the mouth pattern natural while the hands convey the spelling. When practising M in isolation, concentrate primarily on seeing and producing the handshape accurately.

Common beginner difficulties

Using two fingers instead of three

This can make M resemble N. Pause and check that the index, middle and ring fingertips are involved. Then compare the result with a moving example rather than judging it solely from a photograph.

Changing the dominant hand

Switching hands midway through a word can make a fingerspelled sequence harder to follow. Choose your dominant hand and retain that arrangement as you move from one letter to the next.

Practising only production

Learners often remember how a letter feels in their own hands but struggle to identify it from across a conversation. Include short recognition drills and view demonstrations from a signer’s perspective.

Treating fingerspelling as the whole language

Knowing the manual alphabet is helpful, but it does not provide BSL vocabulary, grammar or conversational fluency. Use alphabet practice as one strand of broader learning with suitable BSL instruction.

Clear and respectful communication

Make sure your face and hands are visible and use good lighting where possible. Natural visual attention is helpful, but there is no need to prescribe constant eye contact, smiling or exaggerated movement. Individual comfort, access needs and cultural preferences should guide the interaction.

If communication is not working, pause and ask what the person prefers. Depending on the individual and situation, this may include BSL, fingerspelling, speech, lipreading, writing, text, a qualified interpreter or a combination of methods. The British Deaf Association advises asking how a Deaf person prefers to communicate and speaking clearly while facing them; see its Deaf communication guidance.

An online guide cannot assess an individual learner’s production or replace interactive instruction. For personalised correction, learn with an appropriately qualified BSL teacher, ideally a Deaf BSL professional. If you are preparing for a qualification, follow the current specification from your awarding organisation and the guidance supplied by your tutor.

About this guide

This educational summary was prepared by Lead Academy using publicly available BSL learning resources and current communication guidance. It has not been presented as having undergone Deaf-specialist review. Where written descriptions and demonstrations differ, learners should follow the current specialist source demonstration or seek feedback from a qualified BSL teacher.

Frequently asked questions

Is the letter M the same in BSL and ASL?

No. BSL and ASL are distinct languages with different manual alphabets. The BSL formation described here uses two hands, while ASL M belongs to a one-handed fingerspelling alphabet. Always check which signed language a resource teaches before copying it.

How can I tell BSL M from N?

Count the dominant fingertips meeting the open palm. M commonly uses three—the index, middle and ring fingertips—while N uses two. Confirm the entire formation with a moving BSL demonstration.

Can I use my left hand as the dominant hand?

Yes. Left-handed signers can mirror a right-handed model. Keep the left hand dominant throughout the fingerspelled word rather than changing hands between letters.

Is fingerspelling the same as BSL?

No. Fingerspelling is one resource used within BSL. BSL is a complete language with its own vocabulary, grammar, spatial organisation and non-manual components.

Should I mouth every letter?

No. When fingerspelling a word, mouth the whole word naturally rather than mouthing or vocalising every individual letter. Consult the linked University of Surrey resource for the source guidance.

Why might I see a slightly different M?

BSL can vary by region, community and individual signer. Camera angle and signing speed may also affect what you notice. Compare several current demonstrations and seek qualified teaching before deciding that a variation is incorrect.

Summary

To recognise the fingerspelled BSL letter M, look for three dominant-hand fingertips contacting an open non-dominant palm. Compare M with N by remembering three contact fingers versus two, but use moving specialist demonstrations to check the complete formation. Practise both producing and recognising the letter, keep one hand dominant through a word and remember that fingerspelling is only one component of BSL.

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