a la izquierda
/a la iθkjeɾda/from spelling rules
The English phrase "on the left" is translated into Spanish as a la izquierda.
a la izquierda is used to describe a position or direction that is to the left side of someone or something.
Which one should you use?
If you wish to say "on the right" instead of "on the left", replace izquierda with derecha.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Southern and Andean regions of Latin America, the phrase al costado izquierdo is used to mean "on the left side".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are specifying what something is to the left of, you must add the preposition de after the phrase, resulting in a la izquierda de.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la iθkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- While many speakers use izquierda, the older Spanish word for 'left' was siniestra, which is still used in English in the context of 'sinister'.
- The word izquierda was originally a loanword from Basque, specifically from the term ezkerra.
- In Spanish political discourse, la izquierda refers not just to a direction but to the political left wing.
Examples in context
- Es allí a la izquierda.It's over there on the left.This sentence is useful for indicating a specific location over there using a la izquierda.Tatoeba #1339939 by Shishir, translation #12631039 by kremel
- Tengo un vecino a la izquierda.I have a neighbour on the left.This sentence is useful for describing a neighbor's position using a la izquierda.Tatoeba #10531404 by arh, translation #13602988 by sfgdh
- Los servicios están a la izquierda.The restrooms are on the left.This sentence is useful for stating the location of services using a la izquierda.Tatoeba #7147837 by arh, translation #9564961 by DJ_Saidez
- El museo está a la izquierda de la plaza.The museum is on the left of the square.
- La tienda se encuentra al lado izquierdo del edificio principal.The store is located on the left-hand side of the main building.
- Está justo a la izquierda del semáforo.It's right on the left of the traffic light.
- La cafetería está al lado izquierdo de la entrada principal.The café is on the left side of the main entrance.
- La librería está al costado izquierdo del parque.The bookstore is on the left side of the park.
- Vamos a caminar por la izquierda del río.Let's walk along the left side of the river.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking for a specific shop in a city.
- Daniel¿Dónde está la farmacia?Where is the pharmacy?
- ElenaEstá a la izquierda de la cafetería.It is on the left of the coffee shop.
- DanielGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, izquierda, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
