Chinese Language Learning: Hong2 Deng1

Tom is an American student who is leaning Chinese in a Chinese language school. Last week, they had a mid-term test and the report card has been sent to their family. On receiving the card,  Tom’s mandarin tutor said, “孩子, 你的语文又亮红灯了(hai2 zi5, ni3 de5 yu3 wen2 you4 liang4 hong2 deng1 le5)”.

What dose it mean? “亮红灯(liang4 hong2 deng1)” is wisely used phrase in China. Tom got a “59” in his Chinese test, so his tutor’s word indicates that he has failed in Chinese exam again.

The phrase literally mean “red light” in English. Maybe it has the similar usage in English, which means “something goes bad” or “there is the warning of doing something”.

When it comes to “红灯”, we will think of the traffic rule. Almost all the children who have learned the Chinese characters for kids can put this sentence in mind. That is “红灯停，绿灯行,遇到黄灯等一等(hong2 deng1 ting2, lv4 deng1 xing2, yu4 dao4 huang2 deng1 deng3 yi4 deng3)”.

There are some other situations “红灯” may occur in. For instance, “注意好自己的身体,不要让它亮红灯(zhu4 yi4 hao3 zi4 ji4 de5 shen1 ti3, bu2 yao4 rang4 ta1 liang4 hong2 deng1)”. That means “Try to take care of your health; do not let your body give you any warning hint.”

During our Chinese language learning, we should pay attention to those phrases containing the specific meanings like “红灯”. Next time, when you see “红灯区(hong2 deng1 qu1)”, do not misunderstand it. if you misuse it, you will make some jokes, because it means is equal to the nightspot.

In a word, do not forget these specific meanings of “红灯”. To know more exact examples, you can search it on the internet.