'Chuǎng hóng dēng' literally means 'to rush/force one's way through a red light.' The verb 闯 (chuǎng) conveys forceful, impulsive, or unauthorized entry — like barging into a place or situation. 红 (hóng) means 'red,' and 灯 (dēng) means 'light,' together forming 'red light' — the universal traffic signal indicating 'stop.' Combined, the phrase specifically refers to the dangerous and illegal act of driving or riding through an intersection when the traffic light is red.

This term is used almost exclusively in urban transportation contexts — for drivers, cyclists, and sometimes even pedestrians who cross against the signal. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying recklessness, law-breaking, or disregard for safety. You’ll hear it in traffic reports, police announcements, driver education, and news headlines about accidents. While the characters individually have broader meanings, 闯红灯 functions as a fixed verbal compound with no variation in word order or substitution.