Traffic lights use red, yellow, and green signals to manage vehicle and pedestrian movement safely.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Controls traffic flow with colored lights.
- Red means stop, green means go.
- Essential for road safety and order.
Overview
交通灯，英文是 'traffic light'，是现代城市交通系统中不可或缺的组成部分。它通过不同颜色的灯光（通常是红、黄、绿）来控制和引导车辆和行人有序地通行，从而提高道路通行效率，减少交通事故的发生。交通灯的设计和运行是城市规划和交通管理的重要环节。
交通灯主要用于指导交通流。红色表示停止，车辆和行人必须在停止线前等待；绿色表示通行，车辆和行人可以安全通过；黄色（或闪烁的黄灯）表示警示，通常是提醒即将变红，车辆应减速准备停车，或在确保安全的情况下谨慎通过。在某些地区，也可能出现箭头指示灯，用于指示特定方向的通行或禁止通行。
你会在以下场景遇到“交通灯”这个词：
城市规划讨论：“这个十字路口需要安装新的交通灯。”
与“交通灯”相似的词语可能包括“红绿灯”（这是“交通灯”更口语化的说法，意思完全相同）、“信号灯”（这是一个更广泛的概念，泛指所有用于发出信号的灯，交通灯是其中一种）。在实际使用中，“交通灯”和“红绿灯”可以互换使用，而“信号灯”则更偏向技术性或更广泛的范畴。
Examples
过马路的时候一定要看交通灯。
everydayWhen crossing the road, you must watch the traffic lights.
司机在路口需要根据交通灯的指示行驶。
formalDrivers need to proceed according to the traffic light signals at intersections.
前面那个交通灯好像坏了，一直闪。
informalThat traffic light ahead seems broken, it's flashing continuously.
交通灯系统的智能化升级旨在提高城市交通的整体运行效率。
academicThe intelligent upgrade of the traffic light system aims to improve the overall operational efficiency of urban traffic.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
看交通灯
look at the traffic light
等交通灯
wait for the traffic light
交通灯变了
the traffic light changed
Often Confused With
'红绿灯' (hóng lǜ dēng) is a more colloquial and common term for traffic lights in Chinese, literally meaning 'red-green light'. '交通灯' (jiāo tōng dēng) is the more formal and standard term.
'信号灯' (xìn hào dēng) is a broader term meaning 'signal light'. While traffic lights are a type of signal light, '信号灯' can also refer to other signal lights, like those used in industrial settings or for railway systems.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '交通灯' is widely understood and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's a neutral term suitable for most contexts, from everyday conversations to news reports and official documents. When referring to the act of disregarding the light, '闯红灯' (chuǎng hóng dēng) is the specific phrase to use.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '交通灯' with other types of signal lights. It's important to remember that '交通灯' specifically refers to lights regulating road traffic. Also, ensure correct usage when describing actions like 'running a red light'.
Tips
Observe lights carefully
Always pay close attention to traffic lights when driving or walking. Never assume when the light will change.
Don't rush yellow lights
A flashing yellow light means prepare to stop. Speeding up to beat a red light is dangerous and illegal.
Global traffic light standards
While colors are standard, the duration and specific patterns of traffic lights can vary significantly between countries and cities.
Word Origin
The word '交通灯' is a compound word. '交通' (jiāo tōng) means 'traffic' or 'transportation', and '灯' (dēng) means 'light'. The term directly reflects its function: a light that regulates traffic.
Cultural Context
Traffic lights are a universal symbol of order in urban environments. The strict enforcement of traffic light rules, especially against 'red-light running', is often emphasized in public safety campaigns in Chinese-speaking regions.
Memory Tip
Think of '交通' (jiāo tōng) meaning 'traffic' and '灯' (dēng) meaning 'light'. Put them together: '交通灯' - the light for traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions闯红灯是严重的交通违法行为。根据中国交通法规，驾驶员闯红灯会被处以罚款和扣分。行人闯红灯也可能面临警告或罚款。
这三种颜色是基于人类视觉和心理的普遍认知。红色最醒目，容易引起注意并表示危险或停止；绿色代表安全和通行；黄色则介于两者之间，起到警示和过渡作用。
是的，有时会有蓝色的交通灯，通常用于特殊车辆（如警车、救护车）的指示。此外，还有箭头指示灯，用于指示特定方向的通行或禁止通行。
现代交通灯通常由中央控制系统管理，该系统会根据实时交通流量、预设程序以及传感器数据来调整信号灯的配时，以优化交通效率。
Test Yourself
过马路时，请注意观察______，确保安全。
句子描述的是过马路时需要注意的信号，交通灯是直接指挥交通的信号装置。
当交通灯显示红色时，意味着什么？
交通灯的红色是明确的停止信号，指示车辆和行人停止前进。
词语：左转，交通灯，第二个，在，请
这是最符合中文表达习惯的句子结构，清晰地表达了指示。
Score: /3
Summary
Traffic lights use red, yellow, and green signals to manage vehicle and pedestrian movement safely.
- Controls traffic flow with colored lights.
- Red means stop, green means go.
- Essential for road safety and order.
Observe lights carefully
Always pay close attention to traffic lights when driving or walking. Never assume when the light will change.
Don't rush yellow lights
A flashing yellow light means prepare to stop. Speeding up to beat a red light is dangerous and illegal.
Global traffic light standards
While colors are standard, the duration and specific patterns of traffic lights can vary significantly between countries and cities.
Examples
4 of 4过马路的时候一定要看交通灯。
When crossing the road, you must watch the traffic lights.
司机在路口需要根据交通灯的指示行驶。
Drivers need to proceed according to the traffic light signals at intersections.
前面那个交通灯好像坏了，一直闪。
That traffic light ahead seems broken, it's flashing continuously.
交通灯系统的智能化升级旨在提高城市交通的整体运行效率。
The intelligent upgrade of the traffic light system aims to improve the overall operational efficiency of urban traffic.
