Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'the left' depends on whether you mean a direction, a political stance, or a relative position. The most common word is 左 (ひだり), but it is often used without 'the' as Japanese lacks articles. Context and particles clarify the meaning.
左に曲がってください。
Turn left.
左にあります。
It's on the left.
Referring to the left side or direction in physical space.
The standard word for 'left'. Used with particles like に, へ, or で to indicate direction or location. No article is needed.
左に曲がってください。
Please turn left.
銀行はあのビルの左にあります。
The bank is on the left of that building.
Literally 'left side'. Used when emphasizing the side itself, often in comparisons or when giving directions.
左側通行です。
Keep to the left.
写真の左側に写っている人が私です。
The person on the left side of the photo is me.
Literally 'left hand'. Can also mean 'on the left' when referring to a relative position, especially in relation to a person's orientation.
駅は左手に見えます。
You'll see the station on your left.
Referring to left-wing political ideology or groups.
Standard term for the political left. Often used in news and formal contexts.
彼は左翼の政治家です。
He is a left-wing politician.
Refers to the leftist faction or group within a larger organization.
党内の左派が反対している。
The left wing of the party is opposed.
Referring to something that remains or is left over.
Means 'remainder' or 'the rest'. Used for things left over, like food, time, or items.
残りは冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Please put the leftovers in the fridge.
残りの時間は自由です。
The remaining time is free.
Literally 'things that were left over'. More casual than 残り.
余ったものは持って帰っていいよ。
You can take the leftovers home.
Japanese does not have articles like 'the'. When translating 'the left', simply use 左 (ひだり) or the appropriate phrase without adding anything for 'the'. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
左 (ひだり) is the general word for 'left'. 左側 (ひだりがわ) specifically means 'left side' and is often used when contrasting with the right side or giving precise locations.
左を見てください。
Look to the left.
左側のドアから入ってください。
Please enter through the door on the left.