左边
zuǒbian
Left · trad. 左邊
左边 (zuǒbiān) is the most common way to say "left side" or "on the left" in Mandarin Chinese. It's used when giving directions, describing locations, or indicating something's position.
What does 左边 (zuǒbian) mean?
左边 (zuǒbian) means “left” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “left side.”
When to use it
Neutral. While 左边 is a noun meaning "left side," you can use just 左 (zuǒ) as an adjective, as in 左手 (zuǒshǒu, "left hand") or 左边的那个人 (zuǒbiān de nà ge rén, "the person on the left").
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like "ZWOR-byen." The first syllable, 左, has a third tone (low, then rising); the second, 边, is a first tone (high and flat).
Other ways to say it
- 左zuǒleft (adjective)
- 左手zuǒshǒuleft hand
- 左转zuǒzhuǎnturn left
Examples
我的家在左边。
wǒ de jiā zài zuǒbian.
My house is on the left side.
请往左边走。
qǐng wǎng zuǒbian zǒu.
Please go to the left side / walk left.
他在我的左边。
tā zài wǒ de zuǒbian.
He is on my left.
Pro tip: 左 (zuǒ) is the adjective "left," while 左边 (zuǒbiān) is the noun "left side." Think of it like "left" vs. "left side" in English. For example, you say "left hand" (左手), not "left side hand" (左边手).
Related phrases
蓝色 · Blue十 · 10我会想你的 · I will miss you
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