lewy
/ˈlɛ.vɘ/
The English word 'left' is translated into Polish as lewy.
The word lewy is an adjective used to describe the west side of the body when one is facing north. While lewy refers to physical direction, the related noun lewica is used specifically to refer 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 word lewy refers to the direction or side, whereas lewica refers to the political left.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective lewy changes its ending based on the gender of the noun it modifies: lewa is used for feminine nouns. The adjective lewy changes its ending to lewe when modifying neuter singular nouns or any plural nouns. The adjective lewy takes the form lewego in masculine singular genitive or accusative cases. To express the adverbial phrase 'on the left side', you may use po lewej stronie or z lewej strony.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈlɛ.vɘ/.
Did you know?
- In Polish, lewy is often used in slang to describe items that are smuggled or obtained illegally, such as a lewy paszport ('left passport').
- The idiom lewa ręka ('left hand') is used in Polish to describe an action performed clumsily or improperly.
- The Polish word lewy is inherited from the Proto-Slavic word lě̑vъ.
Examples in context
- Lewy kierunkowskaz się zepsuł.The car's left-turn signal was broken.This example shows how to use lewy to describe a car part.Tatoeba #940899 by zipangu, translation #682027 by Source_VOA
- On poszedł w lewoHe went to the left
- Skręć w lewo na następnym roguTurn left at the next corner
- Sklep jest po lewej stronieThe store is on your left
- Lewy but jest za ciasny.The left shoe is too tight.
- Mój lewy profil jest lepszy.My left profile is better.
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are looking at a new pair of shoes.
- KrzysztofCzy lewy but ci pasuje?Does the left shoe fit you?
- MałgorzataTak, ale prawy jest wygodniejszy.Yes, but the right one is more comfortable.
- KrzysztofMoże musisz sprawdzić inny model.Maybe you should check a different model.
- MałgorzataMasz rację, Krzysztofie.You are right, Krzysztof.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left” translations and entries lewy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lewy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
