Semáforo (en. Traffic light)

/seˈma.fo.ɾo/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

noun

Definition: Optical device that regulates the passage of vehicles and pedestrians.

Example Sentence: The traffic light turned red, which forced us to stop.

El semáforo cambió a rojo, lo que nos obligó a detenernos.

Definition: Traffic signal that indicates the state of circulation.

Example Sentence: We must wait for the traffic light to be green to cross the street.

Debemos esperar a que el semáforo esté en verde para cruzar la calle.

Definition: Control element at an intersection.

Example Sentence: The traffic light at the corner always causes traffic jams.

El semáforo en la esquina siempre causa embotellamientos.

Etymology/Origin: From the Greek 'sema' meaning 'signal' and 'foros' meaning 'to carry'.

Phrase: red traffic light

Meaning: Indicates that vehicles must stop.

semáforo en rojo

Phrase: green traffic light

Meaning: Indicates that vehicles may advance.

semáforo en verde

Phrase: to go through the traffic light

Meaning: Cross the intersection when permitted.

pasar el semáforo

Phrase: to disobey the traffic light

Meaning: Ignore the regulatory traffic signals.

desobedecer el semáforo

Related Word: traffic

Description: Movement of vehicles and people along the roads.

tráfico

Related Word: intersection

Description: Place where two or more streets meet.

cruce

Related Word: pedestrian

Description: Person walking on the street.

peatón

Slang Meaning: Red traffic light for everyone

Slang Example: At that intersection, the red traffic light for everyone is crazy.

En esa intersección, el semáforo en rojo para todos es una locura.

Slang Meaning: To go through the green traffic light

Slang Example: When I see the green traffic light, I speed up to keep the pace.

Cuando veo el semáforo en verde, acelero para no perder el ritmo.