Meaning and Usage
"信号" (しんごう) primarily refers to traffic lights or signals used to control vehicle and pedestrian movement. It can also mean any kind of signal or semaphore used for communication or control, such as railway signals.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "信号" in everyday situations involving traffic rules, such as stopping at a red light or waiting for a green light. It is also used in technical contexts like train operations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 信号が赤になる: the signal turns red, indicating to stop.
- 信号を守る: to obey the signal, emphasizing following traffic rules.
- 信号を見落とす: to miss or overlook a signal, often leading to accidents.
Register and Politeness
"信号" is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in everyday conversation, news reports, and technical discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "信号" with "標識" (ひょうしき), which means traffic signs rather than lights or signals. Remember, "信号" specifically refers to lights or signals that change to direct traffic flow.