1.
hand signal; hand gesture used for signaling
A signal conveyed by hand movements, used in traffic direction, cycling, military operations, diving, and other situations where verbal communication is difficult or impossible.
警察官が手信号で交通を整理していた。
A police officer was directing traffic with hand signals.
自転車に乗るときは手信号を出すのがルールだ。
When riding a bicycle, it's the rule to give hand signals.
信号機が故障していたので、警察官が交差点に立って手信号で車を誘導した。
Since the traffic light was broken, a police officer stood at the intersection and directed cars with hand signals.
Compound of 手 (hand) and 信号 (signal). Most commonly associated with traffic direction by police officers and cycling hand signals, but also used in military, diving, and sports contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手信号を出す: to give a hand signal
- 手信号で合図する: to signal by hand gesture
- 手信号による誘導: guidance using hand signals
- 右折の手信号: hand signal for a right turn
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 合図: signal or sign in general, not limited to hand gestures
- ハンドサイン: hand sign, a loanword sometimes used in casual contexts
- 身振り: gestures, broader term for body language