traffic light
[/ˈtræfɪk laɪt/]
nounpl: traffic lights
semáforo
1. A signal device consisting of three colored lights (red, yellow/amber, and green) that control vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow at intersections
The traffic light turned red, so we had to stop at the intersection.
O semáforo ficou vermelho, então tivemos que parar no cruzamento.
2. The red light that indicates vehicles must stop
We waited at the traffic light for three minutes.
Esperamos no semáforo por três minutos.
3. The green light that indicates vehicles may proceed
When the traffic light changes to green, you can go.
Quando o semáforo fica verde, você pode ir.
Traffic lights are essential infrastructure in both Brazilian and American cities. In Brazil, traffic lights are called 'semáforos' and are a critical part of urban traffic management. The term is used universally across all Portuguese-speaking regions. In casual conversation, Brazilians might also refer to it simply as 'sinal' (signal). Traffic safety and respecting traffic lights is an important part of road culture in both countries.
Related Idioms & Phrases
give someone the green light (dar luz verde) - to approve or allow
give someone the red light (dar luz vermelha) - to reject or disapprove
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