Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to the left hand depends on context. The most common word is 左手 (hidarite), but in some situations, especially when indicating direction or side, 左 (hidari) alone is used. This guide covers how to naturally express 'left hand' in various contexts.
Referring to the physical left hand as a body part.
The standard word for 'left hand'. Used in most contexts when talking about the hand itself.
左手で字を書くのは難しい。
It's difficult to write with my left hand.
彼は左手を怪我した。
He injured his left hand.
Indicating the left side or direction, often in navigation or positioning.
When giving directions or describing location, 左 (hidari) alone is more natural than 左手. It means 'left' or 'left side'.
次の交差点を左に曲がってください。
Please turn left at the next intersection.
銀行は郵便局の左にあります。
The bank is on the left of the post office.
Can be used to mean 'left-hand side', but it's less common than 左 for directions. It may sound slightly more formal or literary.
Describing someone who is left-handed or activities done with the left hand.
Means 'left-handed'. Used for people who primarily use their left hand.
私は左利きです。
I'm left-handed.
左利き用のはさみを買った。
I bought scissors for left-handed people.
Literally 'use the left hand'. Used to describe performing an action with the left hand, not necessarily indicating left-handedness.
彼はいつも左手を使って箸を持つ。
He always uses his left hand to hold chopsticks.
Expressions involving 'left hand' in a non-literal sense, such as in relationships or roles.
Refers to the ring finger of the left hand, often associated with wedding rings.
左手の薬指に指輪をはめている。
She wears a ring on the ring finger of her left hand.
Fleming's left-hand rule (in physics). A technical term.
左手の法則を使って磁界の向きを調べる。
Use the left-hand rule to determine the direction of the magnetic field.
左手に見えるのが東京タワーです。
What you see on your left is Tokyo Tower.