направо и налево
napravo i nalevo
The English phrase "left and right" can be expressed in Russian as направо и налево (napravo i nalevo).
While the phrase can literally refer to directions, it is used idiomatically to mean doing something indiscriminately, excessively or in many different directions, much like the English expression.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the directional adverbs meaning "to the right" and "to the left".
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the directional form of the adverbs (ending in –а) rather than the locative form to indicate movement or a general direction of action.
How do you pronounce it?
napravo i nalevo
Did you know?
- The Russian word for 'left' левый can be used as a slang adjective to describe something fake, illegal or 'under the table'.
- In traditional Russian folklore and superstition, the 'left' side is often viewed as the side of the devil or bad luck, mirroring old European beliefs.
- The word и in the phrase is a direct descendant of the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁e-, making it a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'if'.
Examples in context
- Этот политик разбрасывает лозунги направо и налево.This politician throws around slogans left and right.This sentence shows how the phrase can be used to describe someone throwing around slogans indiscriminately.Tatoeba #3008838 by marafon, translation #10191375 by AlanF_US
- Она находится слева от супермаркета.It is located on the left of the supermarket.
- Мы смотрели направо и налево, но не видели такси.My smotreli napravo i nalevo, no ne videli taksi.We looked left and right, but didn't see a taxi.
- Он крутил головой направо и налево.On krutil golovoy napravo i nalevo.He turned his head left and right.
Example conversation
Sergey is giving driving directions to Olga.
- Сергей SergeyЗдесь нужно смотреть направо и налево.Zdes' nuzhno smotret' napravo i nalevo.You need to look right and left here.
- Ольга OlgaЯ вижу, дорога сейчас пустая.Ya vizhu, doroga seychas pustaya.I see, the road is empty now.
- Сергей SergeyТеперь осторожно поворачивай.Teper' ostorozhno povorachivay.Now turn carefully.
- Ольга OlgaХорошо, Сергей, я поворачиваю.Khorosho, Sergey, ya povorachivayu.Okay, Sergey, I am turning.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries и, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
