左轉
zo2 zyun3
The English phrase "turn left" is translated into Cantonese as 左轉 (zo2 zyun3).
The phrase is used to instruct someone to change direction by moving toward the left side.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is zo2 zyun3.
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, the 'left' side 左 was historically associated with higher status and the emperor, whereas 'right' was often seen as secondary.
- In Cantonese, the verb 轉 (to turn) is used for many unrelated concepts, such as 'to change' one's career or even one's romantic partner.
- The character 轉 used in 左轉 is also the root of the word for 'revolve' or 'rotate', and is used to describe a revolving door or a spinning top.
Examples in context
- 請在紅綠燈處轉左。Please turn left at the traffic lights.
- 行到個路口先，再轉左手邊。Walk until the intersection, then turn left.
- 請喺呢度左轉。cing2 hai2 nei1 dou6 zo2 zyun2.Please turn left here.
Example conversation
A man is giving directions to a woman in a car.
- 家明 Ka Ming曉彤，行到個紅燈就左轉。hiu2 tung4, haang4 dou3 go3 hung4 dang1 zau6 zo2 zyun2.Hiu Tung, turn left when you reach the red light.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung係咪喺呢個路口左轉？hai6 mai6 hai2 nei1 go3 lou6 hau2 zo2 zyun2?Do I turn left at this intersection?
- 家明 Ka Ming唔係，再行多段路就左轉。m4 hai6, zoi3 haang4 do1 dyun6 lou6 zau6 zo2 zyun2.No, turn left after driving a bit further.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung好，我明喇。hou2, ngo5 ming4 laa3.Okay, I understand.
