Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zurdo | /ˈθuɾdo/ /ˈsuɾdo/ |
|
| zoco | /ˈθoko/ /ˈsoko/ |
colloquial |
| zocato | /θoˈkato/ /soˈkato/ |
colloquial |
| ñurdo | /ɲuɾdo/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
This adjective is used to describe someone who prefers using their left hand over their right. The opposite of zurdo is diestro, which means right-handed.
Which one should you use?
While zurdo is the standard term, there are several colloquial variations: zoco, zocato and ñurdo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The terms zoco, zocato and ñurdo are colloquial. zoco in particular can be used in a playful or slightly derogatory way to refer to a left-handed person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term ñurdo is a colloquial variation that is often used in certain dialects or informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described. Use zurda for a female, and use the masculine plural form zurdos when referring to a group of left-handed people or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθuɾdo/
Did you know?
- The word diestro, meaning 'right-handed', is also used in Spanish to describe someone who is highly skilled or expert at a particular task.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, the term zurdo can be used metaphorically to describe someone with left-wing political leanings.
- The term zurdo may actually originate from Paleo-Hispanic languages rather than the more common Latin roots found in most Spanish adjectives.
Examples in context
- Mi amiga Ana es zurda y tiene una caligrafía preciosa.My friend Ana is left-handed and she has beautiful handwriting.
- Mi hermano es zurdo.My brother is left-handed.
- ¿Eres zurdo o diestro?Are you left-handed or right-handed?
- Necesito un cuaderno para un zurdo.I need a notebook for a left-handed person.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at a stationery store.
- DanielLucía, ¿sabes si este bolígrafo es bueno para un zurdo?Lucía, do you know if this pen is good for a left-handed person?
- LucíaCreo que sí, Daniel.I think so, Daniel.
- DanielEs que soy zurdo y siempre uso la mano izquierda.It's just that I am left-handed and always use my left hand.
- LucíaEntiendo, vamos a probarlo.I understand, let's try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left-handed” translations and entries zurdo, zoco, zocato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zoco, zurdo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
