信号（しんごう、shingou）
- traffic light

The Japanese word 信号, pronounced しんごう (shingou), primarily refers to a signal. This can be a traffic light, a communication signal, or any kind of indicator that provides information or instructions. The context determines the specific meaning.

⚫︎ 信号を 守って ください。 Translation: Please obey the traffic signals. ⚫︎ 通信 信号 が 弱い。 Translation: The communication signal is weak. ⚫︎ 火災 信号 が 鳴った。 Translation: The fire alarm went off.

⚫︎ 信号 is used in various situations where there is a signal or an indicator. ⚫︎ It can refer to traffic lights, alarms, or even data transmitted in a communication network. ⚫︎ When talking about traffic, it is very common to use 信号. ⚫︎ When referring to alarms, 信号 might be used, but other words like 警報 (keihou - alarm) are also common.

⚫︎ The standard way to write 信号 is with the kanji 信号. ⚫︎ The reading is しんごう in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎ The okurigana is standard.

⚫︎ 標識 (hyoushiki): Sign; marking; indication. ⚫︎ 合図 (aizu): Signal; sign; cue. ⚫︎ 表示 (hyouji): Indication; display.

⚫︎ The antonym depends on the context of 信号. There isn't one single direct antonym. However, when talking about traffic lights, the opposite would be something like, no traffic lights or a broken traffic light. ⚫︎ In communication contexts, you might consider words like "silence" or "no signal" as the opposite.

赤 《信号 で 止まって ください。》 ・Translation: Please stop at the red light. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 信号 to refer to a traffic light. The imperative verb "stop" is used to give instructions at a traffic light.

この 《信号 は 良く 届かない。》 ・Translation: This signal doesn't reach well. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 信号 in the context of communication or data transmission. It indicates the weakness or inadequacy of the signal.

⚫︎ The word 信号 is a combination of two kanji. ⚫︎ 信 (shin) means "faith," "trust," or "message." ⚫︎ 号 (gou) means "mark," "signal," or "number." ⚫︎ Together, 信号 signifies a "message mark" or a "signal."