signals

[/ˈsɪɡnəlz/]
noun/verbpl: N/A (plural form)
sinais
1. A gesture, action, or sound made to convey information or instructions
The referee gave the signals to start the game.
O árbitro deu os sinais para começar o jogo.
2. Electrical impulses or electromagnetic waves used in communication
The phone lost all signals in the mountains.
O telefone perdeu todos os sinais nas montanhas.
3. Signs or indications of something
These are positive signals for economic growth.
Estes são sinais positivos para o crescimento econômico.
4. Third person singular present tense of 'signal' - to communicate or indicate
She signals to her friend across the street.
Ela faz sinais para sua amiga do outro lado da rua.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'sinais' is commonly used in various contexts from traffic signals (sinais de trânsito) to cellular signals (sinais de celular). The word is culturally neutral and used identically in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. In American culture, 'signals' often appears in phrases like 'mixed signals' to describe ambiguous communication in relationships.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
signsindicatorsmessagesgesturescuesindications
Antonyms / Antônimos
silencequiet

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sinais
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
sinais
Common in colloquial speech and media
São Paulo
sinais
Business and technical contexts use this term regularly
Portugal
sinais
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; same usage

Related Words

communicationtransmitreceivefrequencygestureindication

Related Idioms & Phrases

give someone the signal
mixed signals
green light signals
send a signal
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