左
zo²
The Cantonese word for left is 左 (zo²).
左 is used to refer to the west side of the body when facing north. It is also used in several compound phrases: adding 手 (hand) creates 左手 (left hand), and adding 邊 (side) creates 左邊 (left side). Additionally, when the phrase 左右 (left and right) is placed after a number or a time, it means 'around' or 'approximately'.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
The opposite of 左 (left) is 右 (right).
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify 'the left side' or 'on the left', you add the suffix 邊 to the word to form 左邊.
How do you pronounce it?
zo²
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, the 'left' side 左 was historically considered the superior or more honorable position compared to the 'right' side 右.
- The phrase 左右 (left and right) can describe a person's subordinates or close aides, implying they are the people standing on either side of a leader.
- The term 左撇子 refers to a left-handed person and can imply that the person is 'quirky' or thinks unconventionally.
Examples in context
- 佢左右不分。He can't distinguish between left and right.This example shows how 左 is used in the context of distinguishing directions.Tatoeba #10645915 by clowergen, translation #816059 by afeinberg
- 由左數起第五個人。Kiss the fifth man from the left.This sentence uses 左 to indicate a position when counting from a specific side.Tatoeba #678911 by nickyeow, translation #243544 by Scott
- 左邊嘅車門將會打開。The doors on the left side will open.This example demonstrates using 左 to describe the side of an object like a vehicle door.Tatoeba #840827 by nickyeow, translation #438731 by beauzavier
- 轉左Turn left
- 喺左邊On the left
- 佢喺我左手邊He/she is on my left
- 銀行喺左邊度The bank is on the left
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
俊傑 and 嘉欣 are standing in a room facing north.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit你左邊係咩？nei5 zo2 bin1 hai6 me1?What is to your left?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我左邊有一張凳。ngo5 zo2 bin1 jau5 jat1 zoeng1 dang2.There is a chair to my left.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit嗰張凳係咪好靚？go2 zoeng1 dang2 hai6 mai6 hou2 leng3?Is that chair very pretty?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan係呀，好靚呀。hai6 aa3, hou2 leng3 aa3.Yes, it is very pretty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
