sinistra
/siˈnis.tra/
The English word "left" (meaning the west side of the body when facing north) is translated into Italian as sinistra.
sinistra is used as an adjective to describe the left side of something. It can also be used as a noun to refer to the ensemble of left-wing political parties. When you want to express the location or direction "to the left" or "on the left", use the phrase a sinistra.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
sinistra is the antonym of destra, which means "right".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form of sinistra must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, you would use sinistro for a masculine singular noun or sinistri for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /siˈnis.tra/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When indicating direction or location, such as saying something is "on the left", do not use the adjective alone. Instead, use the prepositional phrase a sinistra.
Did you know?
- If you are describing a person who is 'left-handed' in Italian, you might use the term mancino instead of using the word for 'left'.
- While 'left' in English is neutral, the Italian word sinistra shares a linguistic root with the word for 'sinister' in English.
- In Italian, the word sinistro is often used as a synonym for 'eerie' or 'sinister'. This creates a double meaning where a person can be physically sinistro while the atmosphere is also sinistro.
Examples in context
- Marie è di sinistra.Mary is a left-winger.This sentence uses sinistra to describe a person's political leaning.Tatoeba #3499877 by Guybrush88, translation #7995058 by soliloquist
- Alza la mano sinistra.Raise your left hand.This sentence uses sinistra as an adjective to describe a hand.Tatoeba #3527996 by Guybrush88, translation #243565 by CK
- Il bagno è a sinistra.The bathroom's on the left.This sentence uses a sinistra to indicate a location.Tatoeba #3829265 by valealb, translation #2644062 by CK
- Nella piazza, troverà l'ufficio postale sulla sinistra.In the square, you'll find the post office on the left.
- Prendi la seconda via a sinistro.Take the second street on the left.
- Al semaforo, giri a sinistra.At the traffic light, turn left.
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are discussing a minor injury at home.
- FrancescoTi senti bene, Sofia?Are you feeling okay, Sofia?
- SofiaSì, ma ho un dolore alla spalla sinistra.Yes, but I have a pain in my left shoulder.
- FrancescoDevi mettere del ghiaccio sulla parte sinistra.You should put some ice on the left side.
- SofiaGrazie, Francesco, lo farò subito.Thanks, Francesco, I will do it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sinistra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sinistra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
