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B1 noun #4,500 most common 9 min read

信号

xinhao Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 信号 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 信号 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to understand '信号' (xìnhào) in its most basic, everyday context: mobile phone reception. You will mostly hear it when people are talking about why they can't make a call or use the internet. It is often paired with '有' (yǒu - have) or '没有' (méiyǒu - not have). For example, '这里没有信号' (There is no signal here). You might also see it in the context of '红绿灯' (red-green light), which is a '交通信号' (traffic signal). At this stage, focus on the physical experience of having or losing a signal on your electronic devices. Think of it as the 'bars' on your phone screen. It is a concrete noun that describes something you need to stay connected. You don't need to worry about the abstract meanings yet; just remember that if your phone isn't working, it might be because the 'xìnhào' is bad.

At the A2 level, you can start using '信号' in slightly more varied sentences. You will learn to describe the quality of the signal using simple adjectives like '好' (hǎo - good), '差' (chà - bad), or '强' (qiáng - strong). You might say, '我这儿信号不好' (My signal here is not good). You will also encounter the word in compound forms like '信号灯' (signal light), referring to traffic lights or indicator lights on machines. You begin to understand that a signal is something that carries a message or an instruction. For instance, a whistle in a sports game is a signal to start or stop. You are moving from just 'phone bars' to understanding that signals are tools used for basic communication and safety in public spaces.

At the B1 level, which is the current level of this word, you should be able to use '信号' in both technical and social contexts. You understand that a signal is a 'cue' for action. You can talk about '发出信号' (sending a signal) and '接收信号' (receiving a signal). You start to use the word metaphorically. For example, '他对我笑了，这是一个好信号' (He smiled at me; this is a good signal). You can also discuss signal interference (信号干扰) or stable signals (稳定的信号). You are expected to distinguish between '信号' (the carrier/cue) and '信息' (the information content). This level requires you to see '信号' as a part of a communication process, whether between two people or two machines.

At the B2 level, your use of '信号' becomes more sophisticated and abstract. You will use it to describe market trends, political moves, and complex psychological cues. For instance, you might analyze how a change in interest rates is a '信号' for the economy. You will use more advanced verbs like '捕捉' (bǔzhuō - to capture/catch) a signal or '屏蔽' (píngbì - to block/shield) a signal. You can discuss '信号处理' (signal processing) in a professional or academic context. Your vocabulary around this word expands to include '矛盾的信号' (mixed signals) and '求救信号' (distress signals). You should be able to explain the nuances of why a certain action is considered a 'signal' in a given context, demonstrating a deeper understanding of social and technical systems.

At the C1 level, '信号' is used with precision in specialized fields. You might discuss the '信噪比' (signal-to-noise ratio) in engineering or the '信号传导' (signal transduction) in biology. In literature or high-level social analysis, you might discuss the 'cultural signals' (文化信号) that a society sends through its media and art. You understand the semiotic implications of '信号'—how signs and signals construct meaning in a social framework. You can use the word to describe subtle shifts in diplomatic relations or subtle cues in high-stakes negotiations. Your ability to use '信号' reflects a mastery of both technical jargon and nuanced metaphorical language, allowing you to describe complex transmissions of intent and data.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '信号' and its place within the broader landscape of Chinese linguistics. You can debate the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has shifted from physical flags and smoke to digital bits and social metaphors. You can use the word in highly formal speeches or academic papers, perhaps discussing '信号理论' (Signal Theory) in economics or evolutionary biology. You are sensitive to the stylistic differences between '信号' and '讯号' across different Chinese-speaking regions. Your usage is effortless, whether you are describing the quantum signals of a future computer or the subtle, unspoken signals that define human relationships and societal norms. You use the word with perfect collocations and an awareness of its deepest connotations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

信号 in 30 Seconds

信号 (xìnhào) means 'signal'. It is used for phone reception, Wi-Fi, traffic lights, and social or economic cues.
It is a B1 level noun. Common verbs include '发出' (send) and '接收' (receive).
Don't confuse it with '信息' (information). Signal is the carrier; information is the content.
It can be used metaphorically to mean an 'omen' or a 'hint' in business and social contexts.

The Chinese term 信号 (xìnhào) is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between the physical world of technology and the abstract world of human interaction. At its core, it refers to a medium used to transmit information. In a modern context, the most frequent usage relates to telecommunications, such as cellular reception or Wi-Fi connectivity. When you are in a basement and your phone shows no bars, you would say your 信号 is weak. However, the word's utility extends far beyond your smartphone. Historically and linguistically, it combines '信' (xìn), meaning trust, letter, or message, with '号' (hào), meaning a mark, sign, or number. Together, they represent a 'message-mark'—a specific indicator intended to trigger a response or convey a specific piece of data. This can be a physical gesture, such as a referee blowing a whistle to signal the start of a match, or a visual cue like a lighthouse beam guiding ships through a storm.

Technical Application: In physics and engineering, it refers to an electrical impulse or electromagnetic wave. Terms like 'digital signal' (数字信号) or 'analog signal' (模拟信号) are common in technical discourse.

这里的手机信号很差，我听不清楚你说话。(The mobile phone signal here is very poor; I cannot hear you clearly.)

Beyond technology, 信号 is used to describe social and psychological indicators. For instance, if a company begins hiring aggressively, it sends a positive 信号 to the market about its growth. In dating or social settings, 'mixed signals' (矛盾的信号) refers to ambiguous behavior that makes it hard to discern someone's true intentions. It is a word that implies an active process of sending (发出) and receiving (接收). It is not merely static information; it is the carrier of intent. Whether it is the green light of a traffic signal (红绿灯信号) or the subtle nod of a head during a negotiation, the word captures the essence of communication through designated symbols or waves. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it is the 'trigger' for an action or an understanding, rather than the comprehensive content of the message itself.

Social Context: Used to describe 'cues' in body language or market trends. For example, 'market signal' (市场信号).

政府的这项政策向投资者发出了积极的信号。(This government policy has sent a positive signal to investors.)

In summary, use 信号 whenever you are discussing the transmission of data, whether via waves or via human behavior intended to convey a specific meaning. It is a foundational word for anyone navigating modern life in China, from asking for the Wi-Fi password to analyzing economic reports or understanding complex social dynamics.

Using 信号 (xìnhào) correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs that describe the life cycle of a signal. The most common verb associated with it is 发出 (fāchū), which means 'to emit' or 'to send out'. You can emit a distress signal (发出求救信号) or emit a radio signal (发出无线电信号). Conversely, when you are on the receiving end, you use 接收 (jiēshōu) or 收到 (shōudào). For example, 'I didn't receive your signal' (我没有收到你的信号). If the signal is weak or being blocked, you might use verbs like 干扰 (gānrǎo) meaning 'to interfere' or 屏蔽 (píngbì) meaning 'to block/shield'.

Common Verb Pairings: 发出 (Emit), 接收 (Receive), 捕捉 (Capture), 增强 (Strengthen), 减弱 (Weaken).

我们需要安装一个中继器来增强Wi-Fi信号。(We need to install a repeater to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal.)

When describing the quality of a signal, adjectives like 强 (qiáng - strong), 弱 (ruò - weak), 稳定 (wěndìng - stable), and 断断续续 (duànduàn-xùxù - intermittent) are essential. In a professional or academic setting, you might discuss 信号处理 (xìnhào chǔlǐ), which is 'signal processing'. In a medical context, the brain sends 信号 to the muscles to move. In an environmental context, certain animal behaviors are seen as a 信号 of an impending natural disaster like an earthquake.

交通信号灯变红了，你必须停下来。(The traffic signal light turned red; you must stop.)

Furthermore, 信号 often appears in compound words. A 'signal tower' is a 信号塔, and a 'signal source' is a 信号源. In metaphorical usage, it can be the subject of a sentence: 'The drop in sales is a dangerous signal' (销售额下降是一个危险的信号). Here, it functions as an omen or a warning sign. When constructing sentences, remember that '信号' usually refers to the physical or symbolic manifestation, while '信息' (xìnxī) refers to the knowledge or data contained within it.

In everyday life in China, you will hear 信号 (xìnhào) most frequently when people are dealing with technology. Walk into a subway station or an elevator, and you will likely hear someone complain, '没信号了' (méi xìnhào le - No signal anymore). In tech-heavy cities like Shenzhen or Beijing, conversations about 5G 信号 coverage are ubiquitous. Tech support agents will ask you to check the '信号灯' (indicator lights) on your router. At a larger scale, the phrase '信号干扰' (signal interference) is common in discussions about radio, aviation, and even military technology.

Daily Scenarios: Elevators, subways, remote mountains, making phone calls, using Wi-Fi, watching satellite TV.

电梯里没有信号，等我出去再给你打过去。(There is no signal in the elevator; I will call you back once I am out.)

In the business world, financial news frequently uses 信号 to describe market movements. A central bank raising interest rates is a 'signal' to the economy. You will read headlines like '市场发出反弹信号' (The market sends a signal of a rebound). In the realm of psychology and self-help, which is growing in popularity in China, experts talk about '身体信号' (body signals) or '情感信号' (emotional signals)—urging people to pay attention to what their bodies or partners are trying to communicate non-verbally.

这个表情包是一个明显的示好信号。(This sticker/emoji is a clear signal of friendliness.)

Finally, in emergency situations, you might hear about '求救信号' (distress signals) like flares or SOS calls. Whether it is a pilot communicating with a tower or a hiker using a whistle, the word is the standard term for any intentional transmission of a message through a specific medium. Hearing it usually implies that there is a transmission happening, and the focus is on whether that transmission is successful, clear, or meaningful.

The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 信号 (xìnhào) with 信息 (xìnxī). While both relate to communication, they are not interchangeable. 信息 refers to the actual 'information' or 'data' content—the meaning of what is being said. 信号 is the 'carrier' or the 'impulse' that delivers that information. For example, you can have a strong 信号 (signal) but receive no useful 信息 (information) if the person on the other end isn't speaking. Conversely, you might have very important 信息 to share, but no 信号 to send it. Think of 信号 as the pipe and 信息 as the water flowing through it.

Confusion: 信号 vs. 符号: 符号 (fúhào) refers to a 'symbol' or 'character' (like @ or #). 信号 refers to the 'signal' or 'pulse'. Use 符号 for static icons and 信号 for transmitted cues.

错误：我收到了你的手机信息，但没有信号。(Correction: You receive a 'message' 信息, but you have 'signal' 信号.)

Another mistake is using 信号 when you should use 标志 (biāozhì). 标志 refers to a sign or a landmark—something physical that represents something else, like a company logo or a road sign. While a 'traffic signal' (交通信号) is a signal because it changes and directs flow, a 'stop sign' is more of a 标志. Additionally, learners sometimes use the English logic of 'giving a signal' literally as '给一个信号'. While understandable, in Chinese, it is more natural to say '发信号' (send a signal) or '示意' (gesture to show intent).

Finally, be careful with the word 暗示 (ànshì), which means 'hint' or 'suggestion'. While a 信号 can be a hint, 暗示 is specifically for psychological or subtle verbal hints. If you are talking about someone 'dropping hints' in a conversation, 暗示 is usually more appropriate than 信号, unless you are treating the social interaction like a technical transmission.

To truly master 信号 (xìnhào), you should understand how it compares to its synonyms and related terms. The most common alternative is 信息 (xìnxī), which we've noted refers to 'information'. In modern digital contexts, people often use '网络' (wǎngluò - network) as a proxy for signal. For example, '这里没网' (There's no internet here) often means the same thing as '这里没信号' in a practical sense. Another related word is 征兆 (zhēngzhào), which means 'omen' or 'sign' of something about to happen, usually a natural phenomenon or a major event. While a signal is often intentional, a 征兆 is often a natural indicator.

Comparison: 信号 vs. 迹象: 迹象 (jìxiàng) means 'trace' or 'indication'. It is used when you see evidence of something that has happened or is happening (e.g., 'traces of a struggle'). 信号 is the active transmission of a message.

这不仅是一个信号，更是一个警告。(This is not just a signal, but a warning.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 讯号 (xùnhào). While virtually identical to 信号, 讯号 is more common in Taiwan and Hong Kong or in specific military/telecom jargon in Mainland China. Another word is 暗示 (ànshì), which means 'hint'. If a person is giving you 'signals' that they like you, you might use 暗示. If a machine is giving a 'signal', you must use 信号. Finally, 提示 (tíshì) means a 'prompt' or 'reminder'. A computer might give you a 提示 (prompt) to save your work, which is a specific type of signal.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'intentionality' and the 'medium'. 信号 is the best all-rounder for anything that functions as a transmitted pulse or a clear, designated cue for action. Whether you are discussing the 'signal-to-noise ratio' (信噪比) in a scientific paper or just trying to get a better 4G connection, this word is your primary tool.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '信号' were often sent using smoke (狼烟) from the Great Wall. This was the earliest form of long-distance 'xìnhào'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsɪɡnəl/

US /ˈsɪɡnəl/

In Mandarin, 'xìn' is 4th tone (falling), and 'hào' is 4th tone (falling). Xìnhào.

Rhymes With

信 (xìn) rhymes with 进 (jìn), 近 (jìn). 号 (hào) rhymes with 报 (bào), 照 (zhào), 告 (gào).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xìn' as 'xīn' (1st tone).
Pronouncing 'hào' as 'hǎo' (3rd tone).
Confusing the 'x' sound with 'sh'.
Mixing up the order of the two characters.
Failing to emphasize the falling nature of both tones.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are moderately common but distinct.

Writing 4/5

The character '信' is easy, but '号' requires care with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 4th tone.

Listening 2/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

信 (letter) 号 (number) 灯 (light) 发 (send) 没 (not have)

Learn Next

信息 (information) 通讯 (communication) 频率 (frequency) 网络 (network) 数据 (data)

Advanced

调幅 (AM) 调频 (FM) 带宽 (bandwidth) 信噪比 (SNR) 加密 (encryption)

Grammar to Know

Measure words for 信号

一个信号 (One signal), 这种信号 (This kind of signal).

Resultative complements

接收到信号 (Successfully received the signal).

Adjective placement

微弱的信号 (Weak signal).

Verb-Object phrases

发信号 (To send a signal).

Negation with 没

没信号 (No signal).

Examples by Level

这里没有信号。

There is no signal here.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

手机信号很好。

The phone signal is very good.

Adjective '很好' describes the noun '信号'.

你看信号灯。

Look at the signal light.

'信号灯' is a compound noun.

信号是红色的。

The signal is red.

Describing the state of a signal.

我没有信号。

I don't have a signal.

Use '没有' for lack of signal.

信号在这里很强。

The signal is strong here.

'强' means strong in this context.

你在等信号吗？

Are you waiting for a signal?

Question form using '吗'.

这是一个信号。

This is a signal.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

我们需要更强的信号。

We need a stronger signal.

Comparative '更强' modifying '信号'.

信号灯变绿了。

The signal light turned green.

'变' indicates a change in state.

电梯里通常没信号。

There is usually no signal in the elevator.

'通常' means usually.

他给我发了一个信号。

He sent me a signal.

'发' is the verb for sending a signal.

注意交通信号。

Pay attention to traffic signals.

'注意' is a verb meaning 'to pay attention'.

这个信号很稳定。

This signal is very stable.

'稳定' means stable/consistent.

信号突然中断了。

The signal suddenly cut off.

'中断' means to interrupt or break.

他在森林里发出了求救信号。

He sent out a distress signal in the forest.

'求救信号' means distress signal.

政府的决定向市场发出了积极信号。

The government's decision sent a positive signal to the market.

Metaphorical use of '信号' in business.

这种行为是一个危险的信号。

This behavior is a dangerous signal.

Abstract usage meaning 'omen' or 'warning'.

我无法接收到清晰的无线电信号。

I cannot receive a clear radio signal.

Technical use with '接收' and '清晰'.

老师点头是开始考试的信号。

The teacher's nod is the signal to start the exam.

Using a gesture as a signal.

我们需要解决信号干扰的问题。

We need to solve the problem of signal interference.

'信号干扰' is a common noun phrase.

这个表情包是一个示好的信号。

This emoji is a signal of friendliness.

Social media context.

身体虚弱是生病的信号。

Physical weakness is a signal of illness.

Biological/Internal signal.

他在关键时刻收到了撤退的信号。

He received the signal to retreat at the critical moment.

Action-triggering signal.

由于山体遮挡，卫星信号非常微弱。

Due to the mountain's obstruction, the satellite signal is very weak.

Using '由于' (due to) to explain the cause.

公司裁员通常被视为财务困境的信号。

Company layoffs are usually seen as a signal of financial distress.

'被视为' (be seen as) is a passive structure.

这种动物通过气味向同伴发出警告信号。

This animal sends warning signals to its peers through scent.

Biological signaling.

数字信号比模拟信号更不容易受干扰。

Digital signals are less prone to interference than analog signals.

Technical comparison.

他总是在社交场合发出一些矛盾的信号。

He always sends mixed signals in social situations.

'矛盾的信号' means 'mixed signals'.

我们需要对这些原始数据进行信号处理。

We need to perform signal processing on this raw data.

'信号处理' is a technical term.

雷达捕捉到了敌机的飞行信号。

The radar captured the flight signal of the enemy aircraft.

'捕捉' (capture) is the specific verb here.

这项新法律向外界释放了改革的信号。

This new law released a signal of reform to the outside world.

'释放' (release) is a sophisticated verb for 'sending'.

该实验旨在提高深空通信的信噪比。

The experiment aims to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of deep space communication.

'信噪比' is highly technical (Signal-to-Noise Ratio).

这些微妙的心理信号往往被初学者忽略。

These subtle psychological signals are often ignored by beginners.

Abstract psychological application.

外交辞令中每一个词都可能包含特定的信号。

Every word in diplomatic rhetoric may contain specific signals.

Political/Semiotic usage.

神经细胞通过化学信号进行复杂的沟通。

Nerve cells conduct complex communication through chemical signals.

Biological/Scientific context.

市场对央行发出的紧缩信号反应剧烈。

The market reacted violently to the tightening signal sent by the central bank.

Economic/Financial jargon.

我们需要在复杂的背景噪声中提取有用信号。

We need to extract useful signals from complex background noise.

'提取' (extract) is the key verb.

这种艺术风格被认为是对传统价值观挑战的信号。

This artistic style is considered a signal of a challenge to traditional values.

Sociocultural analysis.

量子通信可以确保信号在传输过程中不被窃听。

Quantum communication can ensure that signals are not eavesdropped on during transmission.

Advanced physics context.

信号传导通路的异常是许多癌症发生的根本原因。

Abnormalities in signal transduction pathways are the root cause of many cancers.

Medical/Biological research terminology.

该政策的出台，标志着宏观调控信号的重大转向。

The introduction of this policy marks a major shift in macro-control signals.

Formal macroeconomic analysis.

符号学研究的是信号、意义及其背后的文化逻辑。

Semiotics studies signals, meanings, and the cultural logic behind them.

Academic/Philosophical context.

在加密领域，任何微小的信号泄露都可能导致安全漏洞。

In the field of encryption, any tiny signal leakage could lead to security vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity context.

这种文学隐喻向读者传递了深层的哲学信号。

This literary metaphor conveys deep philosophical signals to the reader.

Literary criticism.

通过对脉冲星信号的长期监测，科学家验证了引力波的存在。

Through long-term monitoring of pulsar signals, scientists verified the existence of gravitational waves.

Astrophysics context.

其外交政策的模糊性旨在向多方发出多重联想信号。

The ambiguity of its foreign policy is aimed at sending multiple associative signals to various parties.

High-level political strategy.

在大数据时代，如何从海量信号中识别真实趋势是巨大的挑战。

In the era of big data, identifying real trends from massive signals is a huge challenge.

Information theory/Big data.

Synonyms

暗示迹象标志信息

Antonyms

杂音空白

Common Collocations

手机信号

发出信号

接收信号

交通信号

求救信号

市场信号

信号干扰

信号稳定

信号弱

数字信号

Common Phrases

没信号

— No signal. Used when phone reception is lost.

电梯里没信号。

信号灯

— Signal light. Usually refers to traffic lights.

过马路看信号灯。

发信号

— To send a signal. Can be literal or metaphorical.

他对我发信号让我走。

强信号

— Strong signal. High quality reception.

我们需要强信号。

弱信号

— Weak signal. Poor quality reception.

弱信号会导致断线。

信号源

— Signal source. The origin of the transmission.

寻找信号源。

信号塔

— Signal tower. Cell tower.

山顶有一座信号塔。

求救信号

— Distress signal. SOS.

发出求救信号。

危险信号

— Danger signal. A warning sign.

这是个危险信号。

积极信号

— Positive signal. A good sign.

释放积极信号。

Often Confused With

信号 vs 信息

Information content vs the carrier wave.

信号 vs 符号

A static symbol vs an active signal.

信号 vs 标志

A landmark/sign vs a transmitted cue.

Idioms & Expressions

"发号施令"

— To give orders. While it uses '号', it relates to the authority of signaling commands.

他喜欢发号施令。

Neutral

"一呼百应"

— One call gets a hundred responses. A form of powerful signaling.

他在军队中一呼百应。

Literary

"暗号"

— Secret signal or password.

我们的对门暗号是‘苹果’。

Informal

"号角齐鸣"

— The bugles sound together. A signal for battle or start.

比赛开始，号角齐鸣。

Literary

"信号弹"

— Signal flare. Used to mark a location.

发射信号弹。

Technical

"以号为准"

— To act according to the signal.

行动以号为准。

Formal

"眉目传情"

— To flash signals with eyes/brows. A romantic signal.

他们俩在眉目传情。

Literary

"投石问路"

— Throw a stone to ask the way. A signal to test the waters.

这只是投石问路。

Idiomatic

"信号不通"

— Signal cannot go through.

山区信号不通。

Daily

"听号令"

— Obey the signal/command.

全体听号令！

Formal

Easily Confused

信号 vs 信息

Both relate to communication.

Information (content) vs. Signal (carrier). You use a signal to send information.

信号很好，但信息是错误的。

信号 vs 讯号

They mean the same thing.

Regional variation; '讯号' is more common in Taiwan/HK.

台湾同胞常用‘讯号’这个词。

信号 vs 暗示

Both can mean a 'hint'.

暗示 is psychological/verbal; 信号 is physical/technical or a clear cue.

他在言语中给了我暗示。

信号 vs 标志

Both can be 'signs'.

标志 is a static symbol; 信号 is often dynamic or transmitted.

红绿灯是信号，路牌是标志。

信号 vs 征兆

Both mean 'sign of something'.

征兆 is usually for natural or spontaneous events (omens).

天黑是下雨的征兆。

Sentence Patterns

这里有/没有信号。

这里没有信号。

信号很[Adj]。

信号很强。

S向O发出信号。

他向我发出信号。

这是一个...的信号。

这是一个危险的信号。

由于...，信号...。

由于天气不好，信号中断了。

被视为...的信号。

这被视为成功的信号。

旨在提高/优化信号...。

旨在提高信号稳定性。

从海量信号中...。

从海量信号中提取数据。

Word Family

Nouns

信息 (xìnxī - information)

信号灯 (xìnhàodēng - signal light)

信号源 (xìnhàoyuán - signal source)

号令 (hàolìng - command)

Verbs

号召 (hàozhào - to call for)

信号处理 (xìnhào chǔlǐ - to process signals)

Adjectives

有信心的 (yǒu xìnxīn de - confident - related root)

号称 (hàochēng - claimed to be)

无线电 (wúxiàndiàn - radio)

波 (bō - wave)

频率 (pínlǜ - frequency)

接收器 (jiēshōuqì - receiver)

发射 (fāshè - launch/emit)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in modern life.

Common Mistakes

我收到了你的信号 (when meaning message) → 我收到了你的信息
You receive a message (content), not just the signal (pulse).
这里的信号很忙 → 这里的信号很弱 / 网络很忙
Signals aren't 'busy'; they are weak or the network is congested.
看那个交通标志 (when meaning traffic light) → 看那个交通信号灯
A light that changes is a signal, not just a static sign.
给一个信号 → 发一个信号
In Chinese, signals are 'sent' (发) rather than 'given' (给).
信号很重 → 信号很强
Use '强' (strong) instead of '重' (heavy) for signal strength.

Tips

Check your bars

When your internet is slow, check if the '信号' is the problem before restarting your router.

Verb Choice

Always use '发' (fā) for sending and '收' (shōu) for receiving signals.

Social Cues

In Chinese culture, look for the '信号' in silence. Sometimes saying nothing is a strong signal.

Signal vs Info

Remember: Signal is the 'how', Information is the 'what'.

Letter Mark

Think of a letter (信) with a mark (号) on it. That's your signal.

Tone Accuracy

Both characters are falling tones. Pronounce them with certainty.

Market Trends

Use '市场信号' when discussing economy or stock market trends.

Emergency SOS

Memorize '求救信号' (qiújiù xìnhào) for emergencies.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of '号' to keep your writing legible.

Regional Differences

Be aware that '讯号' is used in some other Chinese-speaking regions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Letter' (信 xìn) with a 'Number' (号 hào) on it. That number is the code or 'signal' you need to read the message.

Visual Association

Visualize the bars on your phone. Each bar is a 'mark' (号) telling you how much 'trust' (信 - information) you can receive.

Word Web

Phone Wi-Fi Traffic Light SOS Radio Market Gesture Wave

Challenge

Try to find three different '信号' in your room right now. Is there a Wi-Fi signal? A standby light? A notification on your phone?

Word Origin

The word is a combination of '信' (xìn), which originally meant a person standing by their word (man + speech), and '号' (hào), which originally meant a loud cry or a mark. Together, they form the concept of a 'message-mark'.

Original meaning: A mark or sound used to represent a message or command.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but '发出信号' can sometimes imply military or emergency situations.

In English, 'signal' is used similarly for tech and social cues, but we often use 'reception' for phones, whereas Chinese uses '信号'.

The movie 'Signal' (Korean drama popular in China). 5G rollout news in China. Traffic safety campaigns.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Telecommunications

没信号
信号满格
信号不稳定
找信号

Traffic

信号灯
红绿灯信号
等信号
违反信号

Business

市场信号
积极信号
危险信号
释放信号

Social

发信号
暗示
收到信号
矛盾的信号

Emergency

求救信号
信号弹
SOS信号
中断信号

Conversation Starters

"你手机在这里有信号吗？ (Does your phone have a signal here?)"

"你觉得现在的股市发出了什么信号？ (What signal do you think the stock market is sending now?)"

"如果对方不回消息，你觉得这是一种信号吗？ (If someone doesn't reply, do you think that's a signal?)"

"我们需要买一个信号增强器吗？ (Do we need to buy a signal booster?)"

"你见过最奇怪的求救信号是什么？ (What is the strangest distress signal you've ever seen?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你因为没有手机信号而遇到麻烦的经历。 (Describe a time you had trouble because of no phone signal.)

你认为在人际关系中，哪些行为是积极的信号？ (What behaviors do you think are positive signals in relationships?)

如果外星人发来信号，你认为人类应该回应吗？ (If aliens sent a signal, do you think humans should respond?)

观察你所在城市的交通信号，写下你的观察。 (Observe the traffic signals in your city and write down your observations.)

讨论技术进步如何改变了我们接收信号的方式。 (Discuss how technological progress has changed the way we receive signals.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it covers phone signal, Wi-Fi, traffic lights, and metaphorical signals like market trends or social cues.

You say '我没有信号' or simply '没信号'.

Yes, you can say '身体信号' or '发信号' to describe non-verbal cues.

The most common measure word is '个' (gè) or '种' (zhǒng) for 'type of signal'.

They share the character '信' (trust/message), but their meanings are quite different.

It is called '矛盾的信号' (máodùn de xìnhào).

You can say '交通信号灯' (jiāotōng xìnhàodēng).

It is primarily a noun. To use it as an action, you pair it with verbs like '发' (send).

It is '信号处理' (xìnhào chǔlǐ).

Yes, '无线电信号' (wúxiàndiàn xìnhào) is the standard term.