αριστερά
aristerá
The Greek word for 'left' is αριστερά (aristerá).
The word αριστερά is versatile and can be used as an adverb meaning 'to the left' or 'on the left side'. It also functions as a noun when referring to the ensemble of left-wing political parties.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
The term αριστερά is the opposite of δεξιά, which means 'right'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While αριστερά is used as an adverb, you must use specific adjective forms when describing a noun. For a masculine noun, use αριστερός. For a feminine noun, use αριστερή. And for a neuter noun, use αριστερό. For example, you would use these forms for 'the left hand', 'the left side' or 'the left eye' respectively.
How do you pronounce it?
aristerá
Did you know?
- The English word 'aristocracy' shares a linguistic root with αριστερός, as both derive from the Greek word άριστος meaning 'best'.
- In ancient Greek theatre, the positions 'left' and 'right' were determined from the perspective of the actor facing the audience, not the audience facing the stage.
- Because the word for 'right' is δεξιά, which also means 'skillful', the Greek language creates a linguistic divide between being 'dexterous' and being 'left-handed'.
Examples in context
- Η βιβλιοθήκη είναι στα αριστερά.The library is to the left.This sentence shows how to use αριστερά to indicate a location.Tatoeba #3209642 by Zeus, translation #3198637 by CK
- Ο Τομ είπε στον ταξιτζή να στρίψει αριστερά.Tom told the taxi driver to turn left.This sentence demonstrates using αριστερά as a direction for turning.Tatoeba #5538096 by Zeus, translation #5338543 by CK
- Πήραμε να ανηφορίζουμε με την Ερυθρά Θάλασσα αριστερά και δεξιά τα βουνά-χτένια του Σινά, που στην καρδιά τους φωλιάζει η μονή.We climbed uphill with the Red Sea on the left and on the right the rugged mountains of Sinai, at the heart of which nestles the monastery.This sentence illustrates the use of αριστερά when describing a position relative to a landscape.Tatoeba #3593928 by glavkos, translation #9695582 by Nylez
- Το κτίριο είναι στα αριστερά σας.The building is on your left.
- Στρίψτε αριστερά στο φανάρι.Turn left at the traffic light.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are looking for a specific store in a mall.
- Νίκος NikosΠού είναι το κατάστημα, Μαρία;Pou einai to katastima, Maria?Where is the store, Maria?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι ακριβώς εκεί αριστερά.Einai akrivos ekei aristera.It is right there on the left.
- Νίκος NikosΔίπλα στο καφέ;Dipla sto kafe?Next to the cafe?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, δίπλα στο καφέ αριστερά.Ne, dipla sto kafe aristera.Yes, next to the cafe on the left.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry αριστερά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
