Signs and Signage in English
Common sign words and phrases you’ll see in public… and what they actually mean.
Signs are basically tiny messages from the world: “Do this.” “Don’t do that.” “You are here.” Some are helpful. Some are confusing. Some look like they were designed by a committee of sleepy pigeons.
Here are the English words and phrases you’ll see on doors, streets, shops, and buildings—plus examples so you can use them in real life (or at least understand why you can’t enter).
If a sign says “Keep clear” and it’s placed directly where everyone stands… that’s not your fault. That’s signage comedy.
Section 1 Quick visual cards (the ones you’ll actually see)
Entrance
The place you go in.
Exit
The place you go out.
Push / Pull
Directions for opening a door. Simple… until it isn’t.
Closed / Open
Whether a place is serving customers right now.
No entry
You must not go in from this side.
Keep out
Stay outside. Do not enter the area.
Restroom US
A public bathroom/toilet area.
Out of order
Not working (often on machines, elevators, toilets).
Section 2 Table of sign words (meaning + examples)
| Sign word / phrase | Meaning | Example sentence | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do not enter | You are not allowed to go in. | The gate says do not enter, so we walked around. | |
| Authorized personnel only | Only staff with permission can go in. | This hallway is authorized personnel only. | |
| Private property | The area belongs to someone; public entry may be restricted. | The field is private property, so we stayed on the path. | |
| No parking | You can’t park a vehicle here. | There’s a no parking sign in front of the driveway. | |
| Loading zone | Area for loading/unloading, often time-limited. | It’s a loading zone, so we can stop for a few minutes. | |
| Keep clear | Do not block this space. | Please keep clear of the doorway. | |
| Mind the step UK-ish | Be careful—there’s a step up/down. | Mind the step near the entrance. | |
| Slippery when wet | The floor can be slippery if it’s wet. | The tile is slippery when wet, so walk carefully. | |
| Caution | Warning: pay attention and be careful. | Caution—the floor is being cleaned. | |
| Danger | Serious risk of harm. | Danger: High voltage. | |
| Wet floor | The floor is wet; you might slip. | There’s a wet floor sign near the sink. | |
| Please queue here UK | Stand in line in this spot. | The sign says please queue here for tickets. | |
| Line starts here US | This is where the line begins. | The line starts here, not at the counter. | |
| Employees only | Only staff can enter. | That door is employees only. | |
| No food or drink | You can’t bring food or beverages inside. | The library says no food or drink. | |
| No smoking | Smoking is not allowed. | There’s a no smoking sign at the entrance. | |
| Quiet, please | Keep your voice low. | The sign says quiet, please in the study area. | |
| Under construction | Work is happening; access may be limited. | The sidewalk is under construction this week. | |
| Detour | A different route to avoid a closed area. | Follow the detour signs to get to the bridge. | |
| Out of service | Not operating (similar to “out of order”). | The ticket machine is out of service. | |
| In case of emergency | Instructions for emergencies. | In case of emergency, use the stairs, not the elevator. | |
| Fire exit | Exit used during fire/emergency. | Keep the fire exit door unobstructed. | |
| Assembly point | Where people gather after evacuating. | After the alarm, go to the assembly point. | |
| Use handrail | Hold the rail for safety. | Please use the handrail on the stairs. | |
| CCTV in operation | Cameras are recording. | The sign says CCTV in operation in this area. | |
| Beware of dog | Warning: a dog may bite or chase you. | The gate says beware of dog, so I didn’t reach inside. | |
| No trespassing US | Entering is illegal without permission. | There’s a no trespassing sign on the fence. |
Section 3 Optional variants (same idea, different English)
| You might see | Also common as | Quick note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restroom US | Toilets UK / Bathroom | All mean “place to use the toilet.” “Toilets” is very normal in many countries. | |
| No entry | Do not enter | Both mean you can’t go in. “No entry” is common on roads and gates. | |
| Out of order | Out of service | Both mean “not working.” “Out of service” is common on buses and machines. | |
| Queue UK | Line US | Same idea. If you say “queue” in the US, you’ll sound fancy (or like a tech menu). | |
| Caution | Warning | Both mean “be careful.” “Danger” is usually stronger than both. |
The sign says “Please keep door closed”. Someone reads it and thinks, “No.” That someone is why we can’t have nice things.
