a la izquierda
/a la iθkjeɾda/from spelling rules
To the left in Spanish is a la izquierda.
a la izquierda is used to indicate a direction toward the left side. It is also the standard way to say "on the left" when describing a position.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of a (to), la (the) and izquierda (left).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because izquierda is a feminine noun, the feminine article la is used in this phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la iθkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- In Old Spanish, the word for 'left' was siniestra, which is the root of the English word 'sinister'.
- The word izquierda is actually a linguistic immigrant from Basque, a language entirely unrelated to Spanish.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a small gesture of the left hand can be used to signal 'no' or 'wrong' in certain regional contexts.
Examples in context
- Gira a la izquierda.Turn to the left.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to turn to the left using a la izquierda.Tatoeba #571832 by Shishir, translation #243552 by CK
- Siga a la izquierda.Keep to the left.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to keep to the left using a la 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
- Si desea llegar al museo, siga recto y luego gire hacia la izquierda.If you want to get to the museum, go straight and then turn left.
- El restaurante está a la izquierda de la tienda de comestibles.The restaurant is to the left of the grocery store.
- La panadería se encuentra al lado izquierdo de la plaza.The bakery is on the left side of the square.
- Gira a la izquierda en la próxima calle.Turn left at the next street.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are looking for a specific building in a city.
- Sofía¿Ves el museo, Javier?Do you see the museum, Javier?
- JavierNo, pero creo que está a la izquierda.No, but I think it is to the left.
- SofíaTienes razón, lo veo allí.You are right, I see it there.
- Javier¡Qué bueno que lo encontraste!I'm glad you found it!
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.
