semáforo
/seˈmafoɾo/masculine
The English phrase "traffic light" is translated into Spanish as semáforo.
The term semáforo is used to refer to the signalling device that regulates traffic. In the context of these signals, the color rojo signifies stop, the color amarillo serves as a warning and the color verde indicates permission to go.
Meaning: signalling device (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
semáforo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈmafoɾo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, ponerse en rojo referring to a semáforo can be used as a slang term for becoming very angry or embarrassed.
- The word semáforo shares its Greek roots with the English word 'semaphore', which means 'sign-bearer' in its literal construction.
- In some very informal contexts, people might refer to a red light as el rojo instead of using the full word semáforo, much like an English speaker might say 'hit the red'.
Examples in context
- El semáforo se puso rojo.The traffic light changed to red.This sentence is useful for describing the traffic light changing to the color red.Tatoeba #1209683 by Shishir, translation #268846 by CK
- El semáforo en rojo significa parada.A red traffic light means stop.This sentence explains what a red traffic light means.Tatoeba #6623980 by arh, translation #10021853 by espamatics
- Cuando veas el semáforo en rojo, para.When you see the traffic light turn red, stop.This sentence provides an instruction for when the traffic light is red.Tatoeba #6623989 by arh, translation #8160954 by magnificentgoddess
- No cruces hasta que el semáforo se ponga en verde.Don't cross until the traffic light turns green.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are waiting to cross the street.
- MateoMira, el semáforo cambió a verde.Look, the traffic light changed to green.
- SofíaPerfecto, podemos cruzar ahora, Mateo.Perfect, we can cross now, Mateo.
- MateoTen cuidado con los coches.Be careful with the cars.
- SofíaSí, voy con cuidado.Yes, I am being careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “traffic light” translations and entries 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.
