Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for a traffic light is 信号 (shingō), which literally means 'signal'. This is the everyday term. There are also more specific words like 交通信号 (kōtsū shingō) and 信号機 (shingōki), but 信号 is sufficient in most contexts. Note that the 'go' light is called 青信号 (ao shingō), literally 'blue signal', not 'green', due to historical color terminology.
Referring to the device that controls traffic at intersections.
The most common and natural word for 'traffic light' in everyday conversation. It literally means 'signal' and is understood from context.
Describing the specific colors of a traffic light, especially the 'go' light which is called blue in Japanese.
Historically, Japanese did not distinguish between blue and green as clearly as English does. The word 青 (ao) covered both. Even though modern Japanese has 緑 (midori) for green, traffic lights are still called 青信号. This is a fixed expression.
While グリーン (guriin) is used for green in other contexts, グリーン信号 is not natural. Always use 青信号 for the green light.
次の信号を右に曲がってください。
Turn right at the next traffic light.
信号が赤になった。
The traffic light turned red.
A more explicit term meaning 'traffic signal'. Used when clarity is needed, but less common in casual speech.
交通信号を設置する計画がある。
There is a plan to install traffic lights.
Literally 'signal device'. More technical or formal, often used in official contexts or written descriptions.
この交差点には信号機が三つある。
There are three traffic lights at this intersection.
The green light. Despite being green, it is traditionally called 'blue' (青) in Japanese. This is the standard term.
青信号になったら渡りましょう。
Let's cross when the light turns green.
The red light. Straightforward and commonly used.
赤信号で止まってください。
Please stop at the red light.
The yellow/amber light. Used in the same way as in English.
黄色信号で加速してはいけない。
You must not accelerate on a yellow light.