izquierda
/iθˈkjeɾda/
The Spanish word for the left side of the body when facing north is izquierda.
izquierda is an adjective meaning left. When you want to provide directions to move toward or turn to the left, you should use the prepositional phrase a la izquierda.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
izquierda is the opposite of derecha, which means right.
How do you pronounce it?
/iθˈkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word izquierda was borrowed from the Basque word ezkerra.
- Spanish speakers use the phrase mano izquierda to describe someone who handles a task with stealth or discreetly.
- While izquierda means 'left', Spanish uses a completely different word, zurdo, to describe a person who is left-handed.
Examples in context
- Gira a la izquierda.Turn to the left.This sentence is useful for learning how to say '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 say 'Keep to the left.' using izquierda.Tatoeba #2005809 by marcelostockle, translation #243568 by CK
- ¡Gira a la izquierda!Turn to the left!Tatoeba #1510016 by marcelostockle, translation #1507894 by rileyphone
- El museo está a la izquierda de la plaza principal.The museum is to the left of the main square.
- La panadería está en el edificio izquierdo.The bakery is in the left building.
- 154 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at a photo of a group of people.
- MateoLucía, ¿quién es la chica a la izquierda?Lucía, who is the girl on the left?
- LucíaElla es mi prima Elena.She is my cousin Elena.
- MateoTienes un lunar en la mejilla izquierda.You have a mole on your left cheek.
- LucíaSí, lo tengo desde pequeña.Yes, I have had it since I was little.
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.
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