semáforo
traffic light
noun seh-MAH-foh-roh Rare
Origin: From Greek sema (signal) + phoros (bearing).
Usage Note
Semáforo is the universal Spanish term for a traffic signal — parar en el semáforo (to stop at the light). By extension estar en rojo or en verde (to be on red/green) is said of the lights themselves.
Examples
"Tienes que parar cuando el semáforo está en rojo."
Natural Translation
You have to stop when the traffic light is red.
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