左折
sasetsu
The English phrase "turn left" is translated into Japanese as 左折 (sasetsu).
左折 is a phrase used to describe changing direction by moving toward the left, typically in the context of driving or walking directions.
Which one should you use?
左折 is a technical term used for the act of a "left turn," while 左に曲がる is the more common way to express the action in everyday conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
左折 is a formal, technical term often found in driving manuals, GPS navigation or traffic signs. In polite situations, such as when giving directions, you might use the command form 左折してください. For informal, conversational speech, 左に曲がる is the preferred choice.
How do you pronounce it?
sasetsu
Did you know?
- The word 左 (left) is historically associated with lower status or the 'wrong' side in some ancient East Asian cultural contexts, contrasting with the preferred 'right'.
- The character 折 in 左折 literally means 'to fold' or 'to break', visualizing the turn as a sharp fold in the path.
- While English speakers say 'take a left', a Japanese driver might more naturally use the verb 曲がる (magaru), which means 'to bend' or 'to curve', emphasizing the arc of the turn.
Examples in context
- 左に曲がってください。Please turn left.
- 左折してください。Please make a left turn.
- 左に曲がって。Turn left.
- 左に行って。Go left.
- 次の角を左折してください。tsugi no kado o sasho shite kudasai.Please turn left at the next corner.
- 交差点で左折します。kousaten de sasho shimasu.I will turn left at the intersection.
- あそこで左折すればいいですよ。asoko de sasho sureba ii desu yo.It is best to turn left over there.
Example conversation
Kenta is driving and Hiyori is giving him directions.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、次の角を左折してね。Kenta-san, tsugi no kado o sasetsu shite ne.Kenta, turn left at the next corner.
- 健太 Kenta了解。ここを左折すればいいんだね？Ryōkai. Koko o sasetsu sureba ii nda ne?Got it. I should turn left here, right?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、そうだよ。Un, sō da yo.Yes, that's right.
- 健太 Kentaわかった、左折するよ。Wakatta, sasetsu suru yo.Okay, I'm turning left.
