信号
Traditional: 信號
xìn hào HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

手机信号不太好。
Shǒujī xìnhào bù tài hǎo.
The mobile phone signal is not very good.
他给了我一个开始的信号。
Tā gěi le wǒ yīgè kāishǐ de xìnhào.
He gave me a signal to start.
交通信号灯是红色的。
Jiāotōng xìnhào dēng shì hóngsè de.
The traffic signal light is red.
手机信号不好。
Shǒujī xìnhào bù hǎo.
The phone signal is bad.
交通信号是红的。
Jiāotōng xìnhào shì hóng de.
The traffic signal is red.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 信 (xìn) means 'message' or 'trust', 号 (hào) means 'number' or 'call'. Think: 'A message call' = a signal being transmitted.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in technical contexts (electronics, telecommunications), transportation (traffic signals), and everyday situations (phone signal, warning signals).

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used as a noun subject or object. Common patterns: 发出/接收/加强/减弱 + 信号 (emit/receive/strengthen/weaken signal); 信号 + 动词 (signal + verb) as in 信号显示 (signal shows).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese urban culture, '信号不好' (poor signal) is a common excuse for dropped calls. During emergencies like natural disasters, '求救信号' (distress signals) carry critical importance for rescue operations.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 标志 (biāozhì - sign/mark, usually physical/static) and 信息 (xìnxī - information/content), 信号 specifically emphasizes the medium or carrier transmitting the information, often with a technical or functional purpose.

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