信号 xìnhào signal
How to remember 信号: 信 letter + 号 date = signal.
Characters
How it is used
- Signal in both the literal sense (phone/wifi/radio) and the figurative one (a sign of something) - 手机没信号 (shǒujī méi xìnhào) no phone signal; 这是一个危险信号 this is a warning sign.
- 手机信号不好 is one of the most common complaints in daily Chinese conversation.
- Distinct from 讯号, an older/technical variant seen mainly in Taiwan usage; 信号 is standard on the mainland.
Example sentences
- 在第一个信号灯处右转。 Zài dìyígè xìnhàodēng chù yòuzhuǎn.Turn right at the first traffic light.