feu
/fø/masculine
The English phrase 'traffic light' is translated into French as feu. Wiktionary also lists feu de circulation and feu de signalisation.
Meaning: signalling device (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| feu | /fø/ | masculine |
| feu de circulation | /fø d(ə) siʁ.ky.la.sjɔ̃/ | masculine |
| feu de signalisation | /fø d(ə) si.ɲa.li.za.sjɔ̃/ | masculine |
| feu tricolore | /fø tʁi.kɔ.lɔʁ/ | masculine |
The word refers to a signalling device used to control traffic. In everyday spoken French, people almost always shorten the phrase to just feu.
What does it mean word for word?
The word feu literally means 'fire'.
Which one should you use?
feu is the common term used in conversation, while feu de signalisation is the precise, technical term used in official contexts such as legal documents or driving manuals. Additionally, feu tricolore translates to 'tricolor light'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The formal term feu tricolore is mainly used in France.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of feu is feux. All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/fø/
Did you know?
- French drivers might use the phrase griller un feu to describe running a red light, which literally means 'to grill a light'.
- In certain regions, a pedestrian crossing signal is called a bonhomme, referring to the little man figure that changes color.
- In French, you might encounter the word feu meaning 'late' or 'deceased', such as in the phrase feu la reine for 'the late queen'.
Examples in context
- Le feu était vert.The traffic light was green.This sentence shows how to describe the color of the feu.Tatoeba #10543338 by lbdx, translation #10543266 by AlanF_US
- Tourne à droite au feu.Turn right at the traffic light.This sentence is useful for giving directions involving a feu.Tatoeba #11702961 by lbdx, translation #9434177 by Nylez
- Le feu est passé au rouge.The traffic light changed to red.This sentence describes the state of a feu changing color.Tatoeba #1469637 by Rovo, translation #268846 by CK
- Le feu rouge est toujours plus long le matin.The red light is always longer in the morning.
- Le feu de circulation est en panne.The traffic light is out of order.
- Respectez les feux de signalisation.Respect the traffic lights.
- Le feu est passé au vert.The light turned green.
- Le feu est bloqué sur le rouge.The light is stuck on red.
- Le feu clignote en orange.The light is flashing orange.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are driving in the city.
- NathanRegarde, le feu est orange.Look, the light is orange.
- LéaRalentis, on va s'arrêter.Slow down, we are going to stop.
- NathanLe feu est enfin vert !The light is finally green!
- LéaC'est parti, on peut y aller.Here we go, we can go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “traffic light” translations and entries feu, feu de circulation, feu de signalisation, feu tricolore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
