左倒右
chó-tò-iū
The phrase 左倒右 (chó-tò-iū) is the Hokkien way to say left and right.
This phrase refers to the directions of the left and right sides.
How do you pronounce it?
chó-tò-iū
Did you know?
- The word for 'left' in this phrase, 左, is often used in Hokkien idioms to describe things that are crooked, unbalanced, or untrustworthy.
- In traditional Hokkien culture, the 'right' side 右 was historically associated with higher status or the 'superior' position in formal arrangements.
- The term 左右 is used to refer to a 'sidekick' or assistant, imagining the person always standing at the 'left and right' of a leader.
Example conversation
Jiahao and Xiaowen are crossing a street together.
- 家豪 Ka-hao曉雯，過馬路要看左倒右。Xiǎowén, kuè má-lōo ài khòaⁿ zuó-tó-iū.Xiaowen, you need to look left and right when crossing the road.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun我知道，我已經看了。Góa ai-tiú, góa í-kíng khòaⁿ-liáu.I know, I already looked.
- 家豪 Ka-hao現在沒車，我們可以走。Hiān-zāi bô chhia, ngóa-lím khá-ī tsáu.There are no cars now, we can go.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun好，我們快一點走吧。Hó, ngóa-lím kuài-it-tiám tsáu-pa.Okay, let's walk quickly.
