How to Say "Turn Left" in Italian

gira a sinistra

The English phrase "turn left" is translated into Italian as gira a sinistra.

This phrase is used to provide a direction to move or change course toward the left side.

What does it mean word for word?

The part a sinistra literally means "to the left".

To say "turn right", replace sinistra with destra to get gira a destra.

The infinitive form of this phrase is girare a sinistra. If you are giving directions to a group of people, use the plural form girate a sinistra.

In Italian culture, there is a common superstition that it is unlucky to start a journey or a project by stepping out of the door with the sinistra foot first.
The word sinistra carries a hidden connotation of being 'sinister' or 'evil' in English. This is because both words descend from the Latin sinister, which originally described the left side as unlucky or ominous.
Italian uses the verb girare for turning, which also means 'to rotate' or 'to turn a page'. It comes from the same root as the English word 'gyrate'.

Allo stop gira a sinistra.
Turn left at the stop sign.
This sentence is useful for learning how to use gira a sinistra with a stop sign.
Tatoeba #11795917 by Nuel, translation #11795913 by Nuel
Gira a sinistra all'incrocio.
Turn left at the corner.
This sentence is useful for learning how to use gira a sinistra at a corner.
Tatoeba #3564101 by Guybrush88, translation #48961 by CK
All'incrocio, gira a sinistra.
At the crossroads, turn left.
This sentence is useful for learning how to use gira a sinistra at a crossroads.
Tatoeba #3260765 by Guybrush88, translation #3259000 by sundown
Gira a sinistra sulla strada principale
Turn left on the main road
5 more sentences on Tatoeba

Francesco and Giulia are walking in a new city.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏