Buenos días! Are you interested in learning how to say “left-handed” in Spanish? Whether you’re left-handed yourself or simply expanding your language skills, understanding how to express this concept is important. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “left-handed” in Spanish. We’ll also touch upon regional variations, although they are not as common. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Left-Handed
When it comes to expressing “left-handed” in a more formal setting, here are a few options:
1. Zurdo / Zurda
Zurdo (masculine) and zurda (feminine) are the most common words used to describe someone who is left-handed in Spanish. This formal term is well-understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, so you can confidently use it in most situations.
Example: Mi amiga Ana es zurda y tiene una caligrafía preciosa. (My friend Ana is left-handed and she has beautiful handwriting.)
2. Siniestro / Siniestra
In formal contexts, you might also come across the usage of siniestro (masculine) or siniestra (feminine). Although primarily meaning “sinister” or “left,” in certain contexts, they can also refer to being left-handed.
Example: El pianista era siniestro, pero eso no le impedía tocar con maestría. (The pianist was left-handed, but that didn’t stop him from playing masterfully).
3. Hábil con la mano izquierda
Another formal way to describe “left-handed” is by saying hábil con la mano izquierda, which literally means “skilled with the left hand.” Although lengthier, this expression accurately conveys the meaning while maintaining a formal tone.
Example: El tenista es hábil con la mano izquierda, lo que le da una ventaja competitiva. (The tennis player is left-handed, which gives him a competitive advantage.)
Informal Ways to Say Left-Handed
If you’re in an informal setting or with friends, you may prefer to use a more relaxed and colloquial expression to refer to “left-handed.” Here are a couple of options:
1. Manco / Mancoguapo
In some Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to use the word manco (masculine) or mancoguapo (feminine) as a playful and informal term to describe someone who is left-handed. It is akin to saying “lefty” in English. However, be careful when using this term, as it can be considered derogatory in some contexts, so it’s best to reserve it for close friends.
Example: Jorge es manco y siempre se le caen los objetos cuando los agarra con la mano derecha. (Jorge is left-handed and he always drops things when he tries to grab them with his right hand.)
2. Zocato / Zocata
In certain Latin American regions, particularly Mexico, the term zocato (masculine) or zocata (feminine) is commonly used to describe someone who is left-handed in informal conversations. This term is quite informal and might not be familiar or understood in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Example: ¡Mira qué curioso! Santiago es zocato y siempre escribe con la mano izquierda. (Look how interesting! Santiago is left-handed and he always writes with his left hand.)
Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned earlier are widely understood, it’s worth noting a few regional variations:
1. Surtido / Surtida (Spain)
In Spain, you may encounter the term surtido (masculine) or surtida (feminine) to describe someone who is left-handed. However, this term is not commonly used, and it’s safer to stick to the more universal terms previously mentioned.
2. Manoso / Manosa (Argentina)
In Argentina, the terms manoso (masculine) or manosa (feminine) are colloquial ways to say “left-handed.” Similar to the previously mentioned informal terms, it’s advisable to use them only in informal situations with friends.
Conclusion
¡Enhorabuena! Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “left-handed” in Spanish. Whether you’re looking for formal or informal options, we’ve covered them all. Remember to use zurdo/zurda in most cases, as it is widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. If you’re in a more casual environment, you can choose manco, mancoguapo, zocato or zocata, depending on the region. Bear in mind that these informal terms can be seen as derogatory in some contexts, so use them wisely. Now, go ahead and confidently express your left-handedness in Spanish!
