trái
[t͡ɕaːj˧˦]
The English phrase 'left' is translated into Vietnamese as trái.
The word trái describes the west side of the body when one is facing north. When you want to specify the left hand, you use the word tay (hand) followed by trái to say tay trái.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
trái is the antonym of phải (right).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To give directional instructions like 'turn left', use the verb rẽ (to turn) with trái to form rẽ trái. To specify a direction or position 'on the left', the word bên (side) is often added before trái to form bên trái.
Did you know?
- The word trái is a homonym for 'fruit', which explains why 'the Earth' is called Trái Đất, literally 'the Earth fruit'.
- The Vietnamese word for 'left' can be used to express the idea of being 'wrong' or 'incorrect' in certain contexts, stemming from its meaning of 'contrary'.
- The word trái shares a common linguistic ancestor with the Khmer word ក្លាយ (klaay), which means 'to change'.
Examples in context
- Tôi thuận tay trái.I'm left handed.This sentence is useful for saying one is left handed using trái.Tatoeba #5772444 by yippe, translation #2155985 by freddy1
- Họ viết bằng tay trái.They write with their left hands.This sentence is useful for describing writing with the trái hand.Tatoeba #8963498 by dotheduyet1999, translation #7441904 by CH
- Hãy rẽ trái ở góc phố tới.Turn left at the next corner.This sentence is useful for giving the instruction to rẽ trái at a corner.Tatoeba #510426 by autuno, translation #264209 by autuno
- Quẹo tay tráiTurn left
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Mai are walking in a park.
- MinhBên trái của bạn có một cái cây.There is a tree on your left side.
- MaiCảm ơn Minh, tôi thấy rồi.Thanks Minh, I see it.
- MinhBạn có muốn đi về phía bên trái không?Do you want to go towards the left side?
- MaiKhông, chúng ta hãy đi thẳng nhé.No, let's go straight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left” translations and entries trái, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trái, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
