The term '闯红灯' describes the dangerous and illegal act of ignoring a red stop light.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To illegally proceed through a red traffic signal.
- Applies to both motorized vehicles and pedestrians.
- A serious violation leading to fines or accidents.
Overview
- 1概述：“闯红灯”是一个由动词“闯”（意为猛冲、勇往直前或非法进入）和名词“红灯”组成的动词短语。在现代汉语中，它特指违反交通规则，在红灯亮起时继续前进。这不仅是一个法律术语，也是日常生活中极高频的警示词汇。2) 用法模式：该词通常直接作谓语，如“他闯红灯了”。它也可以作为定语修饰名词，例如“闯红灯行为”。在被动语态中，常与“被”连用，如“因为闯红灯被扣分”。3) 常见语境：主要用于交通管理、安全教育、法律法规以及日常生活的提醒中。在新闻报道中，常用于描述交通事故的原因。在社会讨论中，曾出现过“中国式过马路”这一说法，专门指代集体闯红灯的现象。4) 词义辨析：“闯红灯”与“抢黄灯”不同，后者指在黄灯闪烁时加速通过，虽然危险且在某些地区也属违规，但程度较轻。“闯红灯”与“违章驾驶”是包含关系，前者是后者中最典型、最危险的一种行为。此外，在非交通语境下，它偶尔被比喻为违反禁令或突破道德/法律底线。
Examples
那个司机因为闯红灯被交警拦下了。
everydayThat driver was pulled over by the traffic police for running a red light.
为了您的安全，请勿闯红灯。
formalFor your safety, please do not run red lights.
刚才太险了，那辆车差点儿闯红灯撞到我。
informalThat was a close call; that car almost ran a red light and hit me.
本研究探讨了行人闯红灯行为的心理动机。
academicThis study explores the psychological motivations behind pedestrian red-light running behavior.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
集体闯红灯
Group jaywalking
闯红灯记录
Record of running red lights
Often Confused With
Refers to speeding up to pass while the light is still yellow, whereas '闯红灯' is passing when it's already red.
A general term for any traffic violation, while '闯红灯' is a specific type of violation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is neutral in its literal meaning but carries a strong negative social and legal connotation. It is used in all registers, from casual conversation to legal documents. In formal legal texts, '违反交通信号灯指示' might be used instead.
Common Mistakes
English learners might try to translate 'run a red light' literally using '跑' (pǎo), but in Chinese, the specific verb '闯' (chuǎng) must be used. Avoid using '走红灯' which sounds like you are walking on a red light.
Tips
Understanding the verb 'Chuǎng'
The character '闯' combines 'gate' and 'horse', suggesting a horse rushing through a gate, which helps remember the sense of 'running' through a signal.
Serious connotation in China
Running a red light is a major social faux pas and a serious legal offense in China, often linked to 'civilized behavior' (文明行为).
Chinese-style road crossing
The phrase '中国式过马路' refers to a group of people crossing together regardless of the light, a phenomenon the government is actively discouraging.
Word Origin
The character '闯' (chuǎng) originally meant a horse suddenly rushing out of a gate. Combined with '红灯' (red light), which became a global traffic standard in the early 20th century.
Cultural Context
In China, traffic safety is a major part of 'Civilized City' (文明城市) evaluations. Public awareness campaigns often target '闯红灯' to improve social order.
Memory Tip
Visualize a horse (马) rushing through a gate (门) — that's the character '闯' — and it's rushing past a bright RED light.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions根据现行规定，机动车驾驶人闯红灯通常会被扣6分并处以200元罚款。
是的，许多城市已经开始对行人闯红灯进行现场罚款，甚至通过人脸识别在公共大屏幕上公示。
有，它可以比喻不顾禁令、强行行事或违反某种既定的规则和制度。
通常如果车辆在红灯亮起前已经越过停止线并继续行驶，不被视为闯红灯，但具体以摄像头抓拍的三张照片为准。
Test Yourself
无论多么匆忙，我们都绝对不能___。
“闯红灯”是违规行为，无论多急都不能做，符合句意。
下列哪种行为属于“闯红灯”？
红灯亮时强行通过即为“闯红灯”。
他 / 扣分 / 因为 / 被 / 闯红灯 / 了
正确的因果被动结构是：主语 + 因为 + 原因 + 被 + 结果。
Score: /3
Summary
The term '闯红灯' describes the dangerous and illegal act of ignoring a red stop light.
- To illegally proceed through a red traffic signal.
- Applies to both motorized vehicles and pedestrians.
- A serious violation leading to fines or accidents.
Understanding the verb 'Chuǎng'
The character '闯' combines 'gate' and 'horse', suggesting a horse rushing through a gate, which helps remember the sense of 'running' through a signal.
Serious connotation in China
Running a red light is a major social faux pas and a serious legal offense in China, often linked to 'civilized behavior' (文明行为).
Chinese-style road crossing
The phrase '中国式过马路' refers to a group of people crossing together regardless of the light, a phenomenon the government is actively discouraging.
Examples
4 of 4那个司机因为闯红灯被交警拦下了。
That driver was pulled over by the traffic police for running a red light.
为了您的安全，请勿闯红灯。
For your safety, please do not run red lights.
刚才太险了，那辆车差点儿闯红灯撞到我。
That was a close call; that car almost ran a red light and hit me.
本研究探讨了行人闯红灯行为的心理动机。
This study explores the psychological motivations behind pedestrian red-light running behavior.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
