When combined, 信号 (xìnhào) literally translates to an “information sign” or “message mark.” This beautifully captures its essence: a tangible sign that carries intangible information.
While `信号` is often a direct, technical term, its use in social contexts reveals a key aspect of Chinese communication. Chinese culture can often favor indirectness and high-context communication, where meaning is implied rather than stated outright. In this environment, being able to “read the signals” (`读懂信号`) is a crucial social skill. This differs slightly from the Western concept of “reading the room.” While similar, using the word `信号` to describe a social cue—like a friend looking at their watch to signal it's time to leave—is very common and explicit in Chinese. It's a verbal acknowledgment of the non-verbal. A person might say, “他给了我一个离开的信号” (He gave me a signal to leave), directly labeling the subtle cue. This highlights a cultural emphasis on observing and correctly interpreting non-verbal information in social harmony. A failure to pick up on a `信号` can lead to awkwardness or a loss of “face” (`面子`).
`信号` is used constantly in two main domains: the technical and the social.
This is the most common usage. The structure is typically `[Device/System] + 信号`.
This usage refers to cues, hints, and indicators in human interaction, economics, or politics.