izquierda
/iθˈkjeɾda/
The Spanish word for left is izquierda.
The word izquierda is used to describe the west side of the body when facing north.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
The opposite of izquierda is derecha, which means right. If you want to refer to 'the left side' as a noun phrase, you use the masculine form izquierdo to modify the masculine noun lado, resulting in el lado izquierdo.
How do you pronounce it?
/iθˈkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- The word izquierda actually comes from the Basque word ezkerra, rather than from Latin-based roots like many other Spanish words.
- In older Spanish literature and traditional contexts, you might encounter the word siniestra to mean 'left', which carries a much more sinister or unlucky connotation than the neutral izquierda.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is considered unlucky or impolite to hand an object to someone with their mano izquierda.
Examples in context
- Gira a la izquierda.Turn to the left.This sentence is useful for learning how to give a direction to turn left.Tatoeba #571832 by Shishir, translation #243552 by CK
- Siga a la izquierda.Keep to the left.This sentence is useful for learning how to instruct someone to keep to the left.Tatoeba #2005809 by marcelostockle, translation #243568 by CK
- ¡Gira a la izquierda!Turn to the left!This sentence is useful for learning how to command someone to turn left.Tatoeba #1510016 by marcelostockle, translation #1507894 by rileyphone
- 154 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- MateoMira el detalle en la parte izquierda.Look at the detail on the left side.
- ElenaSí, los colores allí son muy oscuros.Yes, the colors there are very dark.
- MateoTengo un dolor en mi mano izquierda.I have a pain in my left hand.
- ElenaDeberías descansar un poco, Mateo.You should rest a bit, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry izquierda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries izquierda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
