Japanese word

合図

Pronunciation

Romajiaizu

Meaning

  • nounsignal

Example

先生の合図で始めます。sen sei no ai zu de haji me ma su

We will start at the teacher's signal.

Illustration for 合図 (signal)

More examples

ベルは休み時間の合図です。be ru wa yasu mi ji kan no ai zu de su

The bell is the signal for recess.

準備ができたら、合図をお願いします。jun bi ga de ki ta ra ai zu o o nega i shi ma su

Please give me a signal when you are ready.

Core concept

Marks an agreed moment or action so that people can coordinate without stating everything directly.

Common phrases

  • 合図を送るai zu o oku ru

    send a signal

  • 合図を出すai zu o da su

    give a signal

  • 合図を待つai zu o ma tsu

    wait for a signal

Similar words

サインsain: A sign or action that conveys information or prompts a response.
手振りteburi: A movement of the hands or body used to convey a message without words.
信号shingō: A visual, audible, or electronic sign that conveys information or directs action.

Definition in Japanese

人に何かを始める時機や行動を知らせるためのしるし。hito ni nan ka o haji me ru ji ki ya kō dō o shi ra se ru ta me no shi ru shi

Word origin

合図 (aizu) combines 合い (ai, "matching or agreeing") and 図 (zu, "a sign or plan"), forming a word for an agreed sign used to coordinate an action.

Usage tips

  • In baseball, a catcher uses hand signals to communicate a pitch choice to the pitcher while keeping the plan hidden from the batter.

Other meanings

  • cuenoun
  • signnoun

Related words

  • 合図するaizusurusignalverb

Word lists with this word