noun / adjective / adverb HSK 1
left · left side · the left
Meaning
左 means 'left' as in the directional opposite of right. It can function as a noun (the left side), an adjective (left-hand), or as part of directional phrases. This is one of the most fundamental directional words in Mandarin.
Usage
左 is commonly paired with 右 (right) and appears in directional compounds like 左边 (left side) or 左手 (left hand). In addresses and directions, Chinese typically uses 左 and 右 where English might say 'on the left' or 'to the left.' It's also used politically to mean 'leftist' in modern contexts.
Examples
- 01书店在银行左边。.The bookstore is on the left side of the bank.
- 02前面路口左转。.Turn left at the intersection ahead.
Common collocations
- 左边left side
- 左手left hand
- 左转turn left
- 左右about; approximately; around
Antonyms
Origin
The character 左 originally depicted a left hand with the oracle bone script showing a hand symbol. The character structure suggests manual work or assistance, which historically connected to the left hand's supportive role.