🚦➡️

How to Say ‘Turn right at the traffic lights.’ in Simplified Chinese

到红绿灯往右拐。

dào hóng lǜ dēng wǎng yòu guǎi

[dao hónglǜdēng wahng yòu guǎi]

💬 Usage Tip: Chinese puts the landmark first and the action second: 到 + place, then what to do there. Try 到银行往左拐 "turn left at the bank".

Phrase Breakdown

到红绿灯

dào hóng lǜ dēng

at the traffic light

到 (dào) means reach or arrive at, and 红绿灯 (hónglǜdēng) means traffic light, literally red-green light. 绿 is lǜ, so round your lips for ü.

Example

到红绿灯停一下。

Stop at the traffic light.

Words in this phrase

到

dào

[dao]

to arrive at; to reach

Shows movement to a place or arriving at a location.

Example

到门口以后请停一下。

After reaching the entrance, please stop for a moment.

红绿灯

hóng lǜ dēng

[hónglǜdēng]

traffic light

Literally 'red-green light'; the signal lights at a road crossing.

Example

前面有一个红绿灯。

There is a traffic light ahead.

往右拐。

wǎng yòu guǎi

turn right

往 (wǎng) means towards, 右 (yòu) means right, and 拐 (guǎi) means turn.

Example

前面往右拐。

Turn right up ahead.

Words in this phrase

往

wǎng

[wahng]

toward

Shows movement in a direction, often followed by a place or direction word.

Example

司机请往前一点开。

Driver, please go a little further forward.

右

yòu

[yòu]

right

Relating to or located on the right side or direction.

Example

右边有一家银行。

There's a bank on the right.

拐

guǎi

[guǎi]

to turn

Verb meaning to turn a corner when walking or driving.

Example

在路口往左拐。

Turn left at the intersection.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”

Ryan M., 36, Consultant

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager