左
hidari[çida̠ɾʲi]
The English word "left" is translated into Japanese as 左 (hidari).
左 refers to the west side of the body when facing north. Related terms include 左翼, which refers to the ensemble of left-wing political parties and 左に, which is used as an adverb to mean "on the left side".
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate direction or movement toward the left, use the particle に after hidari to form 左に. You can also combine hidari with gawa (side) to form hidarigawa, which specifically refers to the "left side" of an object or a lane. When referring specifically to the left hand, the suffix te (hand) is often appended to form hidarite.
How do you pronounce it?
hidari
Did you know?
- The word 左 is used in the phrase 左様です to mean 'that is correct', despite the word literally meaning 'left'.
- In historical Japan, 左 was traditionally considered the higher status side, meaning the 'left' was more prestigious than the 'right' in court rituals and rankings.
- In traditional Japanese theater, the 'left' side of the stage is often the primary position for the main character's entrance.
Examples in context
- 左利きなの？Are you left-handed?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is left-handed using 左.Tatoeba #12072718 by small_snow, translation #9095548 by CK
- 左に曲がって。Turn left.This sentence is useful for giving a command to turn left using 左.Tatoeba #5253128 by nihonjin, translation #464284 by lukaszpp
- 左側通行です。Keep to the left.This sentence is useful for instructions regarding keeping to the left side using 左.Tatoeba #9477577 by bunbuku, translation #243568 by CK
- 教室の出口は左です。The classroom exit is on the left.
- お手洗いは建物の左側にあります。The restroom is on the left side of the building.
- 駅から歩いて、左手に公園があります。Walk from the station, and you'll find the park to your left.
- 本屋は道路の左側にあります。The bookstore is on the left side of the street.
- 145 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a photo together.
- 健太 Kenta左の人は誰ですか？Hidari no hito wa dare desu ka?Who is the person on the left?
- 結衣 Yui私の兄です。Watashi no ani desu.That is my older brother.
- 健太 Kenta背が高いですね。Se ga takai desu ne.He is tall, isn't he?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても高いです。Hai, totemo takai desu.Yes, he is very tall.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left” translations and entries 左, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
