semáforo

traffic light

noun seh-MAH-foh-roh Rare

Origin: From Greek sema (signal) + phoros (bearing).

Usage Note

Semáforo is the universal Spanish term for a traffic signal — parar en el semáforo (to stop at the light). By extension estar en rojo or en verde (to be on red/green) is said of the lights themselves.

Examples

"Tienes que parar cuando el semáforo está en rojo."

Natural Translation

You have to stop when the traffic light is red.

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