左
JLPT N5
Left
Readings
On’yomi: サ (sa)
Kun’yomi: ひだり (hidari)
ひだり – left
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
左
ひだり
left
左側
ひだりがわ
left side
左手
ひだりて
left hand
左右
さゆう
left and right
左折
させつ
left turn
Example Sentences
左へ曲がります。
ひだりへ まがります。
Turn left.
左手を上げてください。
ひだりてを あげてください。
Please raise your left hand.
左右を確認します。
さゆうを かくにんします。
Check left and right.
Cultural Note
👈 Left (左) has historical and cultural significance in Japan and East Asia:
1. Prestige of Right vs. Left:
o In traditional Japan, 右 (right) was considered more honorable, often used by the emperor or for rituals, while 左 (left) was secondary.
o Example: 左官（さかん） – a craftsman or plasterer uses his left hand for balance.
2. Directional Systems:
o Ancient city layouts and rituals distinguished 左 (left) and 右 (right) carefully.
o 左右対称 (さゆうたいしょう) – left-right symmetry is an important concept in architecture and design.
3. Language Idioms:
o 左遷（させん） – demotion (literally “moved to the left”)
o 左利き（ひだりきき） – left-handed person
1. Prestige of Right vs. Left:
o In traditional Japan, 右 (right) was considered more honorable, often used by the emperor or for rituals, while 左 (left) was secondary.
o Example: 左官（さかん） – a craftsman or plasterer uses his left hand for balance.
2. Directional Systems:
o Ancient city layouts and rituals distinguished 左 (left) and 右 (right) carefully.
o 左右対称 (さゆうたいしょう) – left-right symmetry is an important concept in architecture and design.
3. Language Idioms:
o 左遷（させん） – demotion (literally “moved to the left”)
o 左利き（ひだりきき） – left-handed person