Italian · Travel & Getting Around
"Traffic light" in Italian: semaforo
il semaforo
Traffic light in Italian is il semaforo (seh-MAH-foh-roh), masculine. Red is rosso, green is verde: al semaforo gira a destra.
Driving directions
Al semaforo svolta a sinistra.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce semaforo
Say it
seh-MAH-foh-roh
/seˈma.fo.ro/
Semaforo stresses MAH: seh-MAH-foh-roh.
"Traffic light" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il semaforo | the traffic light Default noun. | Default noun. |
| al semaforo | at the traffic light Directions. | Directions. |
| semaforo rosso | red light Stop. | Stop. |
| semaforo verde | green light Go. | Go. |
How to use semaforo in real life
- 1Driving directions
Al semaforo svolta a sinistra.
At the traffic light turn left.
Al semaforo.
- 2Crossing
Aspetta: il semaforo è ancora rosso.
Wait: the traffic light is still red.
Il semaforo + colour.
- 3Running late
Abbiamo preso tutti i semafori rossi.
We hit every red light.
Semafori plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with semaforo
Incorrect: La semaforo è verde.
Correct: Il semaforo è verde.
Semaforo is masculine.
Incorrect: Ferma al traffic light.
Correct: Ferma al semaforo.
Use semaforo, not English.
Good to know
Italian drivers negotiate semafori with personality—yellow can feel optional to locals, so look before you cross even when you think you have green.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Walking through a busy intersection
ChatPal
Il semaforo pedonale è verde: attraversiamo.
The pedestrian traffic light is green: let's cross.
You
Ok, ma quel semaforo per le auto è giallo.
Ok, but that traffic light for cars is yellow.
ChatPal
Restiamo sulla strisce finché siamo passati.
Stay on the crosswalk until we're across.
You
Fatto. Al prossimo semaforo andiamo dritti.
Done. At the next traffic light we go straight.
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 Italian
How do I say at the traffic light?
Al semaforo.
Red / green light?
Semaforo rosso / semaforo verde.
Is semaforo masculine?
Yes: il semaforo, i semafori.
Pedestrian light?
Semaforo pedonale, or just watch the little walking figure.
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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