semáforo
/seˈmafoɾo/
The English phrase "stop light" is translated into Spanish as semáforo.
The word semáforo is used to refer to both the physical traffic light device and the signal itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of semáforo is semáforos.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈmafoɾo/
Did you know?
- In several Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase está en rojo can be used to describe a financial situation or a critical warning, not just a traffic light.
- If you are in Mexico, you might hear people refer to the lights as el alto if they are specifically focusing on the command to stop.
- The Greek root sêma inside semáforo is also the origin of the English word 'semaphore' and the linguistic term 'semiotics', the study of signs.
Examples in context
- Si yo fuera un semáforo, me pondría rojo cada vez que pasas, para poder mirarte un poco más.If I were a stop light, I'd turn red every time you passed by, so I could look at you a bit longer.This sentence is useful for seeing how semáforo can be used in a metaphorical or romantic context.Tatoeba #9776641 by DJ_Saidez, translation #6085145 by Hybrid
- Vamos a cruzar cuando el semáforo esté en rojo.We will cross when the stop light is red.
- El semáforo está en rojo.The stop light is red.
- Gira a la derecha en el próximo semáforo.Turn right at the next stop light.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are driving in the city.
- LucíaEspera, Javier, el semáforo acaba de cambiar.Wait, Javier, the stop light just changed.
- JavierTienes razón, voy a frenar ahora.You're right, I'm going to brake now.
- LucíaGracias por tener cuidado.Thanks for being careful.
- JavierNo hay de qué, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry semáforo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semáforo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
