izquierda
/iθˈkjeɾda/
izquierda is the Spanish word for left.
izquierda refers to the left side of the body or a position that is to the west when facing north. You can use the phrase A la izquierda as a simple way to express direction.
Which one should you use?
izquierda is the direct antonym of derecha, which means right.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word as an adjective to describe a masculine noun, it changes to the masculine form izquierdo. If you are referring to multiple left-hand sides or directions, the word can be pluralized as izquierdas.
How do you pronounce it?
/iθˈkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- The English word 'sinister' comes from the same Latin root as the obsolete Spanish word siniestra, which once meant 'left'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase mano izquierda can imply a hidden or dishonest way of doing things, similar to the English 'under the table'.
- The origin of 'izquierda' is not actually from Latin, but from the Basque word 'ezkerra'.
Examples in context
- La tienda está a la izquierda.The shop is on the left.
- La parada de autobús está en el lado izquierdo.The bus stop is on the left side.
- Gira a la izquierda.Turn to the left.
- Gira a la izquierda en el próximo semáforo.Turn left at the next traffic light.
- Tengo un dolor en la pierna izquierda.I have a pain in my left leg.
- El banco está a la izquierda de la farmacia.The bank is to the left of the pharmacy.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are walking in a city and looking for a museum.
- María¿Sabes dónde está el museo, Alejandro?Do you know where the museum is, Alejandro?
- AlejandroCreo que hay que doblar a la izquierda.I think we have to turn left.
- MaríaSí, es por esa calle de la izquierda.Yes, it is down that street on the left.
- AlejandroPerfecto, sigamos caminando.Perfect, let's keep walking.
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.
