Translation and Meaning of: 左 - hidari

The Japanese word 「左」 (hidari) represents the concept of "left." If we look at its etymology, 「左」 is a kanji that is based on two main components: the left side includes the radical 「⺘」, which originally represents a hand, and the right side, the more complex graphic, can be interpreted as an abstract representation of manual work or service. The hand radical reflects a connection to physical actions, possibly referring to ancient cultures that valued manual labor.

In contemporary usage, 「左」 (hidari) is widely used in various contexts, from directions to spatial descriptions. In the Japanese language, it is common to use this word when referring to directions, such as when a person is driving and needs to turn left. Additionally, 「左」 can appear in Japanese idiomatic expressions, as well as in everyday instructions and public signage to indicate a movement or position to the left.

Historically, the use of the word 「左」 can be traced back to ancient times, when the distinction between left and right was not only practical but also ritualistic. In various cultures, including Japanese, left can have varied connotations, sometimes associating it with luck or, in other contexts, the presence of something less favored. In modern times, while some of these associations remain in specific folklore, the use of the word 「左」 is then strongly centered on its practical function in everyday life.

The Japanese language features several related words that use 「左」 as a base. These can include compound terms like 「左手」(hidarite), which means "left hand," or even 「左翼」(sayoku), which refers to the "left wing" in contexts such as political ones. This demonstrates the fluidity with which 「左」 integrates into different semantic areas.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 左側 (Hidari-gawa) - Lado esquerdo
• 左方 (Hidari-hō) - Direção esquerda
• 左辺 (Hidari-ben) - Left side of an object or figure
• 左側面 (Hidari-sokumen) - Left lateral surface
• 左側部分 (Hidari-gawa bubun) - Left side
• 左手側 (Hidari-te gawa) - Left side (emphasizing the left hand)
• 左手方 (Hidari-te hō) - Left-hand direction
• 左手辺 (Hidari-te ben) - Left hand side
• 左手側面 (Hidari-te sokumen) - Lateral surface of the left hand
• 左手側部分 (Hidari-te gawa bubun) - Left side of the hand

左

Romaji: hidari
Kana: ひだり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Lado esquerdo

Meaning in English: left hand side

Definition: Left: Side opposite to the right.

Example Sentences - (左) hidari

See below some example sentences:

道は左に曲がる。

Michi wa hidari ni magaru

The road turns left.

The road turns left.

• 道 - means "path" in Japanese
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 左 - means "left" in Japanese
• に - is a grammatical particle that indicates the direction or location
• 曲がる - means "turn" or "fold" in Japanese

私は左利きです。

Watashi wa hidarikiki desu

I am a left -handed one.

I was left.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 左利き (hidarikiki) - It means "left-handed" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement

左に曲がってください。

Hidari ni magatte kudasai

Please turn left.

Turn left, please.

• 左 - means "left" in Japanese.
• に - is a particle that indicates the direction in which something is moving or the location of something.
• 曲がって - is the Japanese form of the verb "to bend", in the present tense and in the imperative.
• ください - is a polite Japanese expression meaning "please" or "do this for me".

左右を見てから行動してください。

Sayuu wo mite kara koudou shite kudasai

Por favor, olhe para a esquerda e para a direita antes de agir.

Please act after looking left and right.

• 左右を見て - look left and right
• から - Later
• 行動してください - take action