French · Travel & Getting Around
"Traffic light" in French: feu (rouge)
le feu (rouge)
Traffic light in French is le feu, often le feu rouge as a set name for the signal. Feu vert means green light; feu rouge means red light (stop).
Driving lesson
Arrête-toi, le feu est rouge.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce feu (rouge)
Say it
fuh (ROOZH)
/fø/ /fø ʁuʒ/
Feu: like "fuh" (eu vowel). Rouge: ROOZH. Feu rouge: fuh ROOZH.
"Traffic light" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| le feu | the traffic light Short everyday word. | Short everyday word. |
| le feu rouge | the traffic light / red light Device name or red signal. | Device name or red signal. |
| le feu vert | green light Go; also figurative OK. | Go; also figurative OK. |
| passer au feu rouge | to run a red light Traffic offense. | Traffic offense. |
How to use feu (rouge) in real life
- 1Driving lesson
Arrête-toi, le feu est rouge.
Stop; the light is red.
Feu + color.
- 2Crossing
On attend le feu vert.
We're waiting for the green light.
Also figurative: permission.
- 3Directions
Tourne à gauche au prochain feu.
Turn left at the next light.
Feu alone = traffic light.
Mistakes English speakers make with feu (rouge)
Incorrect: Le traffic light.
Correct: Le feu / le feu rouge.
Use feu in French.
Incorrect: Le feu est green.
Correct: Le feu est vert.
Colors stay in French: vert, orange, rouge.
Good to know
Drivers say le feu even when it's green. Feu vert also means "go-ahead" at work: on a le feu vert. Pedestrians watch the little walking signal, but people still say attendre le feu.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Navigating in the passenger seat
ChatPal
Le feu passe au rouge, freine.
The light's going red—brake.
You
OK. Au prochain feu, je tourne ?
OK. At the next light, do I turn?
ChatPal
Oui, à droite après le feu.
Yes, right after the light.
You
Compris.
Got it.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Traffic light" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Traffic light" in French
What do locals call a traffic light?
Le feu, or le feu rouge.
Green light?
Le feu vert.
Can feu vert be figurative?
Yes: permission / go-ahead.
Pronunciation of feu?
Like "fuh" with French eu.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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