Translation guide
A traffic light that controls vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. In Japanese, the most common term is 信号 (shingō), which broadly means 'traffic signal'. For the specific red light, 赤信号 (akashingō) is used. The word 'stoplight' can also refer to a brake light on a vehicle.
The general device at an intersection that controls traffic with red, yellow, and green lights.
The standard word for 'traffic light' or 'traffic signal'. It is used in everyday conversation and covers the entire device.
Turn right at the next stoplight.
The stoplight turned green.
A more formal or technical term for 'traffic signal'. Used in official contexts or written descriptions.
A stoplight is installed at this intersection.
Specifically the red signal that means 'stop'.
Literally 'red signal'. Used when emphasizing the red light, especially in contexts like running a red light or waiting for it to change.
You must stop at a red light.
A common phrase meaning 'the light is red'. Used in everyday speech.
Stop because the stoplight is red.
The red light on the back of a vehicle that illuminates when braking.
The standard term for 'brake light'. A loanword from English, widely understood.
The stoplight is out.
A technical term used in vehicle regulations or manuals. Not common in everyday speech.
Another loanword for 'stop lamp', synonymous with ブレーキランプ. Slightly less common but understood.
The stoplight doesn't come on.
The English word 'stoplight' refers to a traffic light, not a stop sign. In Japanese, a stop sign is 一時停止 (いちじていし) or 止まれ (とまれ). Do not use 信号 for a stop sign.
He ran a stoplight.
The stoplight must be red.