Portuguese · Travel & Getting Around
"Traffic light" in Portuguese: semáforo
o semáforo
Traffic light in Portuguese is o semáforo. Drivers also shout sinal in casual speech.
Driving
Pare no semáforo vermelho da avenida.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce semáforo
Say it
seh-MAH-fo-roo
/se.ˈma.fo.ɾu/
seh-MAH-fo-roo
"Traffic light" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| o semáforo | the traffic light Default noun. | Default noun. |
| semáforo vermelho | red light Stop. | Stop. |
| semáforo verde | green light Go. | Go. |
| o sinal | the light / signal Casual synonym. | Casual synonym. |
How to use semáforo in real life
- 1Driving
Pare no semáforo vermelho da avenida.
Stop at the red traffic light on the avenue.
Safety.
- 2Directions
Depois do semáforo, vire à esquerda.
After the traffic light, turn left.
Navigation.
- 3Running late
Perdemos tempo em todo semáforo hoje.
We lost time at every traffic light today.
Commute rant.
Mistakes English speakers make with semáforo
Incorrect: A semáforo está verde.
Correct: O semáforo está verde.
Semáforo is masculine.
Incorrect: Pare no traffic light.
Correct: Pare no semáforo.
Use semáforo.
Good to know
Semáforo is the clear word for learners. Many Brazilians also say sinal: o sinal abriu means the light turned green. Crossing on red as a pedestrian is common in some cities—still not the rule to teach.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Navigating a busy avenue
ChatPal
O semáforo abriu. Pode ir.
The traffic light turned green. You can go.
You
Fui. O próximo semáforo está longe?
I went. Is the next traffic light far?
ChatPal
Não. Tem um semáforo na próxima quadra.
No. There’s a traffic light on the next block.
You
Beleza. Reduzo a velocidade.
Okay. I’ll slow down.
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 Portuguese
Gender?
Masculine: o semáforo.
Casual synonym?
O sinal.
Red light?
Semáforo vermelho / sinal vermelho.
Green light?
Semáforo verde / o sinal abriu.
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
