feu orange
/fø ɔ.ʁɑ̃ʒ/masculine
The French phrase for yellow light is feu orange. Wiktionary also lists feu jaune.
Meaning: traffic light between the green light and the red light (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| feu jaune | masculine | |
| feu orange | /fø ɔ.ʁɑ̃ʒ/ | masculine |
This term refers to the traffic light signal positioned between the green light and the red light.
Which one should you use?
While feu jaune is understood, feu orange is the standard term used in France to describe the amber traffic signal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun feu is masculine, you must use the masculine definite article le when saying le feu orange.
How do you pronounce it?
/fø ɔ.ʁɑ̃ʒ/
Did you know?
- While feu means 'fire' in the context of a traffic light, the same word feu can also refer to a person who has passed away, meaning 'the late' when used as an adjective.
- The word orange in feu orange actually traces its roots back to the fruit, specifically a late shortening of 'pomme d'orange'.
- In France, if you run a feu orange and it turns red before you enter the intersection, it is legally treated as running a red light.
Examples in context
- Ne traversez pas lorsque le feu est jaune.Do not cross when the light is yellow.
- Le feu orange vient de s'allumer.The yellow light just turned on.
- Il faut ralentir quand on voit un feu orange.You must slow down when you see a yellow light.
- Je ne suis pas passé au feu orange.I did not go through the yellow light.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are driving in a car.
- NathanAttention, il y a un feu orange !Watch out, there is a yellow light!
- LéaD'accord, je freine tout de suite.Okay, I am braking right now.
- NathanC'est mieux, c'est plus prudent.That is better, it is safer.
- LéaTu as raison, Nathan.You are right, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yellow light” translations and entries feu orange, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries feu, jaune, orange, CC BY-SA 4.0.
