How to Say "traffic light" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “traffic light” is “semáforo” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Gira a la izquierda cuando el semáforo se ponga en verde.
Turn left when the traffic light turns green.
El coche se detuvo porque el semáforo estaba en rojo.
The car stopped because the traffic light was red.
Hay un semáforo averiado en el cruce principal.
There is a broken traffic light at the main intersection.
Using 'el' and 'un'
Even though it is a long word, it follows the standard rule: it ends in 'o', so it is masculine. Always use 'el semáforo' or 'un semáforo'.
Describing the change
When a light changes color, Spanish speakers use the verb 'ponerse' (to become). For example: 'El semáforo se puso rojo' (The light turned red).
Prepositions for 'at'
Mistake: “Estoy en el semáforo.”
Correction: This is actually correct! While English uses 'at the light', Spanish uses 'en' to mean 'at/in/on' a location like a traffic light.
Related Translations
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