gira a la izquierda
/xiɾa a la iθkjeɾda/from spelling rules
To make a left in Spanish is gira a la izquierda.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to turn a vehicle or themselves toward the left side.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb girar (to turn) and the prepositional phrase a la izquierda (to the left).
Which one should you use?
The form gira a la izquierda is used when addressing one person you know well. The form Gire hacia la izquierda translates specifically to "turn towards the left."
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving directions as a command, use gira a la izquierda for a single person you know well. Use gire a la izquierda for a single person in a formal context. If you are giving directions to a group of people, use giren a la izquierda.
How do you pronounce it?
/xiɾa a la iθkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- The word izquierda is actually a linguistic loan from the Basque language, specifically the word ezkerra, rather than coming from Latin.
- While girar is common for vehicles, pedestrians in some countries prefer doblar a la izquierda, where doblar literally means 'to fold'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people avoid using izquierda in superstitious contexts, as the concept of the left side was historically linked to the word siniestra, meaning 'sinister'.
Examples in context
- Gire hacia la izquierda en el semáforo.Turn left at the traffic light.
- Dobla a la izquierda al final de la cuadra.Make a left at the end of the block.
- Da vuelta a la izquierda en la siguiente esquina, colega.Make a left turn at the next corner, buddy.
- Siga recto hasta la rotonda y luego doble a la izquierda.Go straight until the roundabout and then make a left turn.
- Camina todo derecho y luego da vuelta a la izquierda en la segunda esquina.Walk straight and then make a left turn at the second corner.
- Gire a la izquierda en la próxima calle.Turn left at the next street.
- Gira a la izquierda en la próxima calle.Make a left at the next street.
- Gira a la izquierda en la esquina.Make a left at the corner.
Example conversation
Mateo is driving María to a restaurant.
- MateoMaría, ¿cuándo debo girar a la izquierda?María, when should I make a left?
- MaríaGira a la izquierda en la próxima intersección, Mateo.Make a left at the next intersection, Mateo.
- MateoEstá bien, ya la veo.Okay, I see it now.
- MaríaPerfecto, ya casi llegamos.Perfect, we are almost there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, gira, izquierda, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
