What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb mantenerse (to keep oneself/stay) and the prepositional phrase a la izquierda (to the left).
Which one should you use?
While manténgase a la izquierda is the standard instruction, you might use Permanezca en el carril izquierdo to specifically mean 'remain in the left lane' or Siga siempre por la izquierda to mean 'always go on the left'. For driving contexts, circule por la izquierda is a common way to tell someone to drive on the left.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For an informal setting, you can use Mantente a la izquierda to say 'stay on the left' or Recuerda mantenerte en el lado izquierdo for 'remember to stay on the left side'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear the phrase No te corras a la derecha to mean 'Don't move to the right'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal (tú) version of the formal manténgase is the imperative mantente, used in the phrase mantente a la izquierda.
How do you pronounce it?
/mantenɡase a la iθkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- Unlike most Spanish words that come from Latin, izquierda was borrowed from Basque, a language spoken in the Pyrenees mountains.
- The word izquierda replaced the Latin-derived term siniestra. In modern Spanish, siniestra is rarely used for direction and instead means 'sinister' or 'disastrous'.
- In Argentina, you might hear the phrase No te corras a la derecha to tell someone to keep left, which literally means 'Don't move yourself to the right'.
Examples in context
- Siga siempre por la izquierda hasta llegar al centro.Always go on the left until you reach the center.
- Mantente a la izquierda y verás la playa a pocos minutos.Stay on the left and you will see the beach in a few minutes.
- Manténgase a la izquierda en este sendero.Keep left on this path.
- Para evitar accidentes, manténgase a la izquierda.To avoid accidents, keep left.
- El cartel dice: manténgase a la izquierda.The sign says: keep left.
Example conversation
A hiking trail with clear instructions.
- MateoElena, ¿por dónde seguimos?Elena, which way do we follow?
- ElenaLa señal indica: manténgase a la izquierda.The sign says: keep left.
- MateoEntiendo, caminaré por ese lado.I understand, I will walk on that side.
- ElenaSí, Mateo, es más seguro.Yes, Mateo, it is safer.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, izquierda, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
