左

• Pinyin: zuǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 左 = 𠂇 (left hand) + 工 (work) — the left side, left hand

Meaning

Left. The direction opposite to right.

A basic directional word. Often combined with 边 or 面 to form location words: 左边 (left side), 左面 (left side). Used in giving directions: 往左走 (go left), 左转 (turn left). Can also be used figuratively in some contexts, but at HSK 1 level the primary meaning is directional.

Examples

1. 请往左走。 Please go left.
2. 学校在左边。 The school is on the left.
3. 他用左手写字。 He writes with his left hand.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 往左看。(Look to the left.)
• 左转就到了。(Turn left and you're there.)

Don't Say

• 在左。(Too abrupt on its own — say 在左边 or 在左面 for 'on the left')

Origin & History

Originally depicted a left hand. The character shows 工 (work) under a left-hand component, representing the left side.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal