izquierda
/iθˈkjeɾda/
The Spanish word for left is izquierda.
izquierda is used to describe the west side of the body when one is facing north.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
izquierda is the opposite of the word derecha, which means right.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang expression Pal' lao is used in some Latin American countries, such as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, to mean 'to the left'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are expressing a direction, such as 'to the left', the feminine noun izquierda is almost always preceded by the definite article la to form la izquierda.
How do you pronounce it?
/iθˈkjeɾda/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse izquierda (left) with derecha (right).
Did you know?
- Before izquierda became the standard, the word siniestra was commonly used to mean 'left', but its meaning evolved to imply something 'sinister' or evil.
- Spanish speakers use la mano izquierda to describe something done secretly or dishonestly, similar to the English phrase 'under the table'.
- While izquierda refers to the direction, a person who is left-handed is often described as zurdo, which comes from a completely different root.
Examples in context
- Gira a la izquierda.Turn to the left.This sentence is useful for learning how to give a command to turn to the left using izquierda.Tatoeba #571832 by Shishir, translation #243552 by CK
- Siga a la izquierda.Keep to the left.This sentence is useful for learning how to instruct someone to keep to the left using izquierda.Tatoeba #2005809 by marcelostockle, translation #243568 by CK
- ¡Gira a la izquierda!Turn to the left!This sentence is useful for learning how to emphatically command a turn to the left using izquierda.Tatoeba #1510016 by marcelostockle, translation #1507894 by rileyphone
- 154 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a painting.
- SofíaMira el hombre de la izquierda.Look at the man on the left.
- AlejandroSí, tiene un sombrero muy grande.Yes, he has a very large hat.
- SofíaMe gusta más el lado izquierdo.I like the left side more.
- AlejandroYo prefiero los colores de la derecha.I prefer the colors on the right.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry izquierda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries izquierda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
