좌우
jwau
The phrase "left right" in Korean is 좌우 (jwau).
좌우 refers to the two opposite directions of left and right. While it literally means left and right, it is frequently used to refer to the "sides" or "surroundings" of an object or person.
Which one should you use?
While 좌우 is a compound term for left and right, you can use 왼쪽 to mean "left" and 오른쪽 to mean "right".
How do you pronounce it?
jwau
Did you know?
- The word 좌우 can also mean 'motto' or 'guiding principle' when used in the compound 좌우명, suggesting a rule that governs one's life from every side.
- In many Korean contexts, the word 좌우 can also mean 'to influence' or 'to manipulate' someone's decisions. This stems from the idea of swaying someone from one side to another.
- In historical Korean court etiquette, the 'right' side 우 was traditionally considered higher in rank or more honorable than the 'left' side 좌.
Examples in context
- 왼쪽으로 돌아주세요.Turn left.
- 서점은 왼쪽에 있어요.The bookstore is on the left.
- 오른쪽으로 가세요.Go right.
- 식당은 오른쪽에 있어요.The restaurant is on the right.
- 오른쪽으로 도세요.Take a right turn.
- 카페는 오른편에 있어.The café is on the right.
- 좌우를 잘 살펴야 해요.jwa-u-reul jal sal-pyeo-ya hae-yo.You must look left and right carefully.
- 좌우가 똑같이 생겼어요.jwa-u-ga ddok-gat-i saeng-gyeot-eo-yo.The left and right sides look exactly the same.
- 그는 좌우를 살피며 걸었다.geu-neun jwa-u-reul sal-pi-myeo geol-eot-da.He walked while looking left and right.
Example conversation
Dohyun is teaching Minji how to drive.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 좌우를 확인하고 진입하세요.Minji ssi, jau-reul hwagin-hago jinip-haseyo.Minji, check left and right before entering.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 도현 씨. 지금 확인하고 있어요.Ne, Dohyun ssi. Jigeum hwagin-hago isseoyo.Yes, Dohyun. I am checking now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이제 천천히 들어가도 됩니다.Ije cheoncheonhi deureogado doemnida.You can go in slowly now.
- 민지 Min-ji감사합니다. 이제 안심이 돼요.Gamsahamnida. Ije ansim-i dwaeyo.Thank you. I feel relieved now.
