one-way system

[/ˈwʌn weɪ ˈsɪstəm/]
nounpl: one-way systems
sistema de mão única
1. a traffic arrangement where vehicles are permitted to travel in only one direction on a particular street or road
The city implemented a one-way system to reduce traffic congestion downtown.
A cidade implementou um sistema de mão única para reduzir o congestionamento no centro.
2. any system or process that operates in a single direction only, allowing flow or movement in just one way
Their relationship became a one-way system with only one person making all the decisions.
O relacionamento deles se tornou um sistema de mão única com apenas uma pessoa tomando todas as decisões.
One-way systems are common in major Brazilian cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to manage traffic in congested urban centers. The term 'mão única' (literally 'single hand') is frequently seen on street signs. In Portugal, 'sentido único' is the standard terminology used in official traffic regulations and urban infrastructure.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
one-way streetunidirectional trafficsingle-direction traffic flow
Antonyms / Antônimos
two-way streetbidirectional systemtwo-way traffic

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistema de mão única
most common formal term in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
mão única
colloquial shortened version
São Paulo
sistema de mão única
standard usage in official traffic signage and urban planning
Portugal
sentido único
European Portuguese prefers 'sentido único' (single direction)

Related Words

traffic controlstreet managementcirculation patterntraffic flowurban planningone-way street sign

Related Idioms & Phrases

a one-way street (figuratively: a relationship or situation benefiting only one party)
traffic goes one way (describing restricted movement)
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