How to Say "Traffic Lights" in Chinese

红绿灯

hónglǜdēng

The phrase for "traffic lights" in Chinese is 红绿灯 (hónglǜdēng).

What does it mean word for word?

This is a compound of three parts: 红 (red), 绿 (green) and 灯 (light or lamp).

In Hong Kong, the term for traffic lights is written as 紅綠燈.

hónglǜdēng

The phrase 闯红灯 (to charge through a red light) has moved beyond the street. It is commonly used as a metaphor for people who act impulsively or break social rules in life.
While English speakers often say 'the light is green', in China, people frequently use the phrase 绿灯 (green light) as a metaphor for having permission or a 'clearance' to proceed with a difficult task or a business deal.
The word 灯 in the phrase for traffic lights is the exact same character used for traditional Chinese lanterns. This links modern urban infrastructure to centuries of ancient lighting traditions.

到了红绿灯以后，往右拐。
After you get to the traffic lights, turn right.
This sentence is useful for giving directions after reaching the 红绿灯.
Tatoeba #841829 by eastasiastudent, translation #841830 by sundown
在道路安全中，多数交通路口都有红绿灯控制车辆行人的通行。
In road safety, most intersections have traffic lights to control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
下次我们走的时候，记得看红绿灯过马路。
Next time when we cross the road, remember to look at the traffic lights.
前面那个红绿灯坏了。
Qiánmiàn nàge hónglǜdēng huài le.
The traffic light ahead is broken.
过红绿灯的时候要小心。
Guò hónglǜdēng de shíhou yào xiǎoxīn.
Be careful when crossing the traffic lights.

志强 is driving and 雨婷 is a passenger.

志强 Zhiqiang

雨婷，前面的红绿灯变了。
Yǔtíng, qiánmiàn de hónglǜdēng biàn le.
Yuting, the traffic light ahead changed.
雨婷 Yuting

好的，我看到了。
Hǎo de, wǒ kàndào le.
Okay, I see it.
志强 Zhiqiang

等红绿灯的时候，我们聊天吧。
Děng hónglǜdēng de shíhou, wǒmen liáotiān ba.
Let's chat while waiting for the traffic lights.
雨婷 Yuting

没问题。
Méi wèntí.
No problem.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏