kaliwa't kanan
/kaliˌwat ˈkanan/
The Tagalog phrase for "left and right" is kaliwa't kanan.
This phrase refers to the two opposite directions of the left and right sides.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of kaliwa at kanan. The word kaliwa means left, kanan means right and the conjunction at (and) is shortened to -t and attached to the preceding word.
How does it change in a sentence?
While kaliwa't kanan is the contracted form, the full uncontracted form is kaliwa at kanan.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaliˌwat ˈkanan/
Did you know?
- In Tagalog, the phrase kaliwa't kanan can be used idiomatically to mean 'everywhere' or 'in large quantities' rather than just directions.
- There is a traditional Filipino belief that the kaliwa side is associated with bad luck or sinister omens.
- In formal or traditional Filipino settings, people prioritize using the kanan hand when giving or receiving items to show respect.
Examples in context
- Lumiko po kayo sa kaliwa sa susunod na kanto.Turn left at the next intersection.
- Ang gusali ay nasa kanan.The building is on the right.
- Ang tindahan ay sa kaliwa ng kalye.The store is on the left side of the street.
- Siya ay nakatira sa bahay sa kanan.He lives at the house on the right.
- Kumanan ka pagkatapos ng malaking puno.Turn right after the big tree.
- Tumingin ka sa kaliwa't kanan bago tumawid.Look left and right before crossing.
- Puno ng mga tao ang kaliwa't kanan ng entablado.The left and right of the stage are full of people.
Example conversation
Juan and Angela are walking down a busy street.
- JuanAngela, tumingin ka muna sa kaliwa't kanan.Angela, look left and right first.
- AngelaWala namang sasakyan, Juan.There are no cars, Juan.
- JuanMaging maingat pa rin tayo.Let's still be careful.
- AngelaSige, tatawid na tayo.Okay, let's cross now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kaliwa't kanan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
