number · name

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 号 is used to distinguish things by numbers or names; its on-reading is ごう.
• Basic usage: 番号, read ばんごう, means number; 信号, read しんごう, means signal.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• An identifying number and a signal
  • 番号 identifies something, as when a reception number is called or a package is tracked.
  • 信号 can refer to a road traffic light or a light signal sent from a ship. In 光の信号を送った, a signal was sent to convey information.