左

• Reading: ひだり
• Romaji: hidari
• Kanji breakdown: 左 (hidari/sa) — left
• Pronunciation: /çi.da.ɾi/

Meaning

Left; left-hand side. The direction opposite to right.

A fundamental directional noun paired with 右 (migi, right). Used constantly in giving directions. In Japanese culture, left and right have traditional significance — in formal seating, the left side (facing out) is considered the position of higher honour.

Examples

1. この道をまっすぐ行って左に曲がります。 Go straight on this road and turn left.
2. 左に郵便局があります。 There is a post office on the left.
3. 左手で箸を使う人もいます。 Some people use chopsticks with their left hand.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, navigation, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 左 originally depicted a hand holding a carpenter's square, representing the left hand used to hold tools.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal