How to Say "Traffic Light" in Italian

semaforo

/seˈma.fo.ro/masculine

The English phrase 'traffic light' is translated into Italian as semaforo.

semaforo refers to a signalling device used to control traffic.

Meaning: signalling device (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

The word semaforo is a masculine noun. To express the plural 'traffic lights', use the form semafori.

The word is pronounced /seˈma.fo.ro/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.

The term semaforo comes from the Greek words 'sema' meaning 'sign' and 'phero' meaning 'to carry', literally translating to 'sign-bearer'.
In Italy, if a semaforo is flashing yellow, it functions as a warning to slow down and proceed with caution, rather than a signal to stop.
In a legal context, ignoring a semaforo is referred to as passare col rosso, which literally means 'to pass with the red'.

Il semaforo diventò verde.
The traffic light turned green.
This sentence is useful for describing the action of a traffic light turning green with semaforo.
Tatoeba #3757879 by Guybrush88, translation #268842 by CK
Il semaforo diventò rosso.
The traffic light changed to red.
This sentence is useful for describing the action of a traffic light changing to red with semaforo.
Tatoeba #3757880 by Guybrush88, translation #268846 by CK
La nostra città ha un solo semaforo.
Our town has only one traffic light.
This sentence is useful for stating the quantity of traffic lights in a town with semaforo.
Tatoeba #5365237 by Guybrush88, translation #4500627 by CK
La macchina si è fermata al semaforo
The car stopped at the traffic light
Ho dovuto fermarmi perché il semaforo era rosso.
I had to stop because the traffic light was red.
Il nuovo impianto di regolazione del traffico avrà semafori intelligenti.
The new traffic control system will have smart traffic lights.
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Francesco and Martina are driving in a car.

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