directional indicators

[daɪˈrekʃənəl ˈɪndɪkeɪtərz]
nounpl: directional indicators
pisca-pisca / indicadores de direção
1. Lights on a vehicle that flash to signal the driver's intention to turn left or right
Always use your directional indicators before changing lanes on the highway.
Sempre use o pisca-pisca antes de mudar de faixa na rodovia.
2. Devices or signals that show direction of movement or intended direction
The aircraft's directional indicators showed the plane was heading north.
Os indicadores de direção da aeronave mostraram que o avião estava voando para o norte.
3. Lights or visual signals that indicate the direction a vehicle will turn
The mechanic checked if all directional indicators were working properly.
O mecânico verificou se todos os piscas estavam funcionando corretamente.
In Brazil, 'pisca-pisca' is the everyday term for turn signals, derived from the blinking motion. Traffic safety regulations in both Brazil and the USA mandate the use of directional indicators before turning or changing lanes. Understanding this term is essential for driving and understanding vehicle-related conversations in Portuguese-speaking countries.
NYC Slang
turn signals / blinkers (standard English, not specific NYC slang)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
turn signalsblinkersdirection lightsflashing lights
Antonyms / Antônimos
warning lightsbrake lights

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
pisca-pisca
Most common colloquial term used in Brazil for turn signals
General Brazilian Portuguese
indicador de direção
More formal/technical term used in official automotive contexts
São Paulo
pisca
Shortened colloquial version commonly used in casual speech
Portugal
piscas
Portuguese European equivalent, similar to Brazilian usage but plural form is more standard

Related Words

turn signalbrake lighthazard lightssignal lamptraffic signalheadlightstailights

Related Idioms & Phrases

use your indicators
signal your intention
flash your lights
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