Definition
左 (zuǒ) is a noun meaning 'left' as a direction or side, often used as a prefix (e.g., 左手 'left hand') or in fixed phrases like 往左走 'go left'. 左边 (zuǒ bian) specifically means 'left side' and is more common when referring to a location relative to something (e.g., 在左边 'on the left'). Use 左 for general direction or in compounds, and 左边 for specifying a side.
noun
left (direction, side)
Easily confused
- 扛kánglook-aliketo lift (a heavy object) with both hands, often over one's shoulder
- 做zuòsound-aliketo do; to engage in (an activity)
- 江jiānglook-alikeriver
- 坐zuòsound-aliketo sit
- 攻gōnglook-aliketo attack (physically)
- 座zuòsound-alike(classifier) for large immovable objects such as mountains, buildings, bridges, and towers
- 红hónglook-alikered (color)
Examples
- 。Tā yòng zuǒ shǒu xiě zì.He uses his left hand to write.
- 左。Qǐng wǎng zuǒ zǒu.Please go left.
- 左。zuǒ hé yòu bù yí yàng.Left and right are different.
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