sinistra
/siˈnis.tra/
The English word "left" is translated into Italian as sinistra.
sinistra is used to describe the west side of the body when facing north. This term is also used as a noun to refer to the ensemble of left-wing political parties. When you want to express the adverbial phrase "on the left side," you use a sinistra.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
sinistra can function as both an adjective describing a physical direction and as a noun referring to a political ideology.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form of sinistra must agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use sinistro for masculine singular nouns, sinistra for feminine singular nouns, sinistri for masculine plural nouns and sinistre for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /siˈnis.tra/.
Did you know?
- In Italian sports commentary, a player who is 'left-footed' is called mancino. This word comes from mancare, meaning 'to lack' or 'to be missing'.
- The word sinistra is an anagram of many other Italian words, but it shares a common linguistic ancestor with the English word 'sinister', which also describes something threatening or evil.
- Historically, the Latin root of sinistra was associated with bad luck. In ancient Roman augury, omens seen on the left were often considered unfavorable.
Examples in context
- Marie è di sinistra.Mary is a left-winger.This sentence uses sinistra to describe someone as a left-winger.Tatoeba #3499877 by Guybrush88, translation #7995058 by soliloquist
- Alza la mano sinistra.Raise your left hand.This sentence uses sinistra as an adjective for the hand.Tatoeba #3527996 by Guybrush88, translation #243565 by CK
- Il bagno è a sinistra.The bathroom's on the left.This sentence uses a sinistra to indicate the location of the bathroom.Tatoeba #3829265 by valealb, translation #2644062 by CK
- Il ristorante si trova a sinistra della strada.The restaurant is located on the left side of the road.
- La banca è a sinistra della farmacia.The bank is to the left of the pharmacy.
- Vai dritto e poi gira verso sinistra.Go straight, and then turn left.
- La pizzeria è sulla sinistra.The pizzeria is on the left.
- I negozi sono a sinistra.The shops are on the left.
- Gira a sinistra.Turn left.
- Prosegui dritto, la stazione sarà sulla tua sinistra.Keep going straight, the train station will be on your left.
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are walking through a park.
- MatteoHai la scarpa sinistra sciolta.Your left shoe is untied.
- GiuliaDavvero? Grazie per avermelo detto.Really? Thanks for telling me.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, capita spesso.Don't worry, it happens often.
- GiuliaSì, ora sono a posto.Yes, now I am fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sinistra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sinistra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
