赤信号
akashingō[a̠ka̠ɕĩŋɡo̞ː]
The English phrase "red light" is translated into Japanese as 赤信号 (akashingō).
赤信号 is a noun used to refer to a red light, specifically a warning light used as a traffic signal. To express the specific action of "running a red light," Japanese uses the phrase 赤信号を無視する, which translates to "ignoring the signal."
Meaning: a warning light, especially as a traffic signal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 赤信号 is a compound of two parts: 赤 (aka), meaning "red" and 信号 (shingō), meaning "signal".
How do you pronounce it?
akashingō
Did you know?
- While 'red' is the signal to stop, the Japanese word for 'green light' is actually 青信号 (ao shingō), using the word for 'blue' instead of 'green'.
- If you are talking about a 'red light' in a romantic or adult context, Japanese would not use 赤信号, as that term is strictly reserved for traffic and official warnings.
- In Japanese, 赤信号 can be used metaphorically to describe a danger sign in health or finance, such as a 'red light' appearing on a medical monitor or a warning of bankruptcy.
Examples in context
- 赤信号で止まりましたか。Did you stop at the red light?This sentence is useful for asking if someone stopped at the 赤信号.Tatoeba #142126 by bunbuku, translation #272444 by CK
- あいつ、赤信号で渡ったぞ。He crossed the road on foot at the red light.This sentence is useful for noting that someone crossed a street during a 赤信号.Tatoeba #11510695 by small_snow, translation #2388920 by AlanF_US
- 君は赤信号を無視して走りましたね。You ran a red light.This sentence is useful for describing someone who ran a 赤信号.Tatoeba #177102 by bunbuku, translation #15950 by Swift
- 赤信号になったら、車を止めないといけません。When the light turns red, you must stop your car.
- まっすぐ行って、赤で止まってください。Go straight and stop at the red light, please.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are waiting to cross the street.
- 陽葵 Himariまだ赤信号だね。Mada akashingou da ne.It's still a red light, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。もうすぐ変わると思うよ。Hontou da. Mousugu kawaru to omou yo.You're right. I think it'll change soon.
- 陽葵 Himari急いでるけど、赤信号は危ないからね。Isoideru kedo, akashingou wa abunai kara ne.I'm in a hurry, but red lights are dangerous.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。安全に渡ろう。Sou da ne. Anzen ni watarou.True. Let's cross safely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red light” translations and entries 赤信号, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
