(ゆうどうとう)

ゆうどうとう
noun
guide light; exit sign; emergency guidance light
1. guide light; exit sign — illuminated signs that show evacuation routes in buildings
Illuminated signs installed in buildings to show the direction of emergency exits and evacuation routes. In Japan they are legally required in most public buildings and typically show the familiar green running-figure pictogram. Also used more generally for any light that guides movement (e.g., runway lights, signal lights for ships).
誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)矢印(やじるし)(したが)って避難(ひなん)してください。
Please evacuate following the arrows on the exit signs.
停電(ていでん)しても誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)はしばらく点灯(てんとう)(つづ)ける。
Exit signs stay lit for a while even during a power outage.
建物(たてもの)管理者(かんりしゃ)は、避難(ひなん)(さまた)げにならないよう、誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)(まえ)(もの)()かないようにしている。
Building managers make sure not to place anything in front of the exit signs so as not to obstruct evacuation.

Compound of 誘導(ゆうどう) ('guiding; leading') and (とう) ('light; lamp'). Refers to any illuminated sign or lamp used to guide people or vehicles, with evacuation exit signs being by far the most common referent.

USAGE:

  • In Japan, 誘導灯(ゆうどうとう) is the standard regulatory term for the illuminated exit and evacuation-route signs required by the Fire Service Act (消防法(しょうぼうほう)).
  • Typical signs show either the green-background running-figure pictogram (避難口(ひなんぐち)誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)) or a directional arrow (通路(つうろ)誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)).
  • Also used in aviation (滑走路(かっそうろ)誘導灯(ゆうどうとう), 'runway guide lights') and maritime contexts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)(したが)う: to follow the exit signs
  • 避難口(ひなんぐち)誘導灯(ゆうどうとう): emergency exit sign (with running-figure pictogram)
  • 通路(つうろ)誘導灯(ゆうどうとう): corridor directional sign
  • 誘導灯(ゆうどうとう)点検(てんけん): inspection of exit signs

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 非常灯(ひじょうとう): emergency light — the general emergency backup lighting that comes on in a blackout; distinct from 誘導灯(ゆうどうとう) in that it illuminates spaces rather than showing routes.
  • 非常口(ひじょうぐち): emergency exit — the exit itself; 誘導灯(ゆうどうとう) is the sign pointing to it.
  • 案内灯(あんないとう): guidance light — less specific term, occasionally used for non-emergency directional lights.
  • 標識(ひょうしき): sign; marker — broader term, not necessarily illuminated.