links
/lɪŋks/
The Dutch word for left is links. If unsure, use links. Wiktionary also lists linker.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| links | /lɪŋks/ |
| linker | /ˈlɪŋkər/ |
links is used to describe the west side of the body when one is facing north, or to indicate a direction or location. It can also refer to the ensemble of left-wing political parties as links.
Which one should you use?
links is the standard form used as an adverb to mean 'to the left' or 'on the left side', though it can also function as an adjective. The form linker is specifically used as an adjective when modifying a noun, such as in de linkerhand (the left hand).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form linker is used when the word 'left' modifies a noun. The word links can function as an adjective or an adverb.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɪŋks/
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the word links is used not only for direction but can also describe a person as being 'clumsy' or 'awkward'.
- The adjective linker did not start as a standard adjective but evolved from the specific phrase ter linker hand, meaning 'on the left hand'.
- In Dutch, there is a strict grammatical distinction between links as a direction and linker as a modifier, whereas English uses 'left' for both.
Examples in context
- Sla daar links af.Turn left at that corner.This sentence is useful for giving directions to turn left using links.Tatoeba #13204176 by Dozyjones, translation #13140029 by CK
- Ik ben links van u.I am to your left.This sentence is useful for stating one's position to the left of someone using links.Tatoeba #11229857 by martinod, translation #11229843 by carlosalberto
- Neem de straat links.Take the road on the left.This sentence is useful for instructing someone to take a road on the left using links.Tatoeba #8446102 by Elsofie, translation #243549 by CK
- Sla linksaf bij de stoplichten.Turn left at the traffic lights.
- De sleutels liggen op de linkerzijde van de tafel.The keys are on the left side of the table.
- Na het park ga je linksaf.After the park, turn left.
- 130 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are looking at a photo of themselves.
- DaanWie staat er links op de foto?Who is standing on the left in the photo?
- EmmaDat ben ik, Daan.That is me, Daan.
- DaanJe hebt een lach aan de links kant.You have a smile on the left side.
- EmmaDat klopt, ik ben rechtsbenig.That's right, I am right-footed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left” translations and entries links, linker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries linker, links, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
