izquierdo
/iθkjeɾdo/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "left" is izquierdo.
izquierdo is an adjective used to describe the left side of the body when a person is facing north. Note that if you wish to express direction, such as saying "to the left", you should use the adverbial phrase a la izquierda instead of the adjective.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
izquierdo is the antonym of derecho, which means "right".
How do you pronounce it?
/iθkjeɾdo/
Did you know?
- The word izquierdo has its roots in Basque, a language spoken in the Pyrenees that is completely unrelated to Spanish or any other Romance language.
- The word derecho can be a noun meaning 'law' or 'a right' as in human rights, sharing a root with the word for 'right side'.
- The term zurdo is used to describe a 'left-handed' person, rather than using a form of izquierdo.
Examples in context
- Tengo dos pies izquierdos.I have two left feet.This sentence shows how to use izquierdo when describing feet.Tatoeba #9151920 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9151921 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Se rompió el brazo izquierdo.He broke his left arm.This sentence uses izquierdo to specify which arm is broken.Tatoeba #822466 by Munia, translation #296680 by CK
- Mi brazo izquierdo está dormido.My left arm is asleep.This sentence uses izquierdo to describe a sensation in the arm.Tatoeba #1926114 by marcelostockle, translation #250893 by CK
- Gire a la izquierda en la siguiente intersección.Turn left at the next intersection.
- Continúe recto y luego gire hacia la izquierda.Go straight and then turn towards the left.
- Dobla a la izquierda en la próxima calle.Turn left at the next street.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a painting together.
- JavierMira el lado izquierdo del cuadro.Look at the left side of the painting.
- MaríaSí, los colores son muy oscuros allí.Yes, the colors are very dark there.
- JavierMe gusta el detalle del ojo izquierdo.I like the detail of the left eye.
- MaríaTienes razón, es muy realista.You are right, it is very realistic.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries izquierdo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
