izquierdo
/ees-KEE-air-doh/
left
The word "izquierdo" means 'left' when referring to direction.
📝 In Action
Mi coche está en el carril izquierdo.
A1My car is in the left lane.
La puerta izquierda no cierra bien.
A1The left door doesn't close well.
Necesitas girar a la calle izquierda.
A2You need to turn onto the left street.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing the Ending
As an adjective, 'izquierdo' must match the noun it describes. Use 'izquierdo' (masculine singular), 'izquierda' (feminine singular), 'izquierdos' (masculine plural), or 'izquierdas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up Adjectives and Adverbs
Mistake: "Gira izquierdo."
Correction: Gira a la izquierda. (The direction 'to the left' uses the feminine noun form 'la izquierda', not the masculine adjective 'izquierdo'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remembering the Direction
A simple way to remember 'izquierdo' is to connect it with 'izquierda,' which is often used as a simple noun meaning 'the left side.' If you struggle to remember which is which, look at your hands!
When used as a noun, "izquierdo" can refer to the left side of an object, such as the left shoe.
izquierdo(noun)
left side
?of a body or object
left hand
?when referring to the hand specifically
📝 In Action
Me duele el izquierdo después de cargar las cajas.
A2My left side/hand hurts after carrying the boxes.
Hay un rasguño en el izquierdo de la mesa.
B1There is a scratch on the left side of the table.
💡 Grammar Points
The Hidden Noun
When used as a noun, 'el izquierdo' is usually a shortened way of saying 'el lado izquierdo' (the left side) or 'el pie izquierdo' (the left foot). Context makes the meaning clear.
In a political context, "izquierdo" means 'left-wing' or 'liberal' ideology, often associated with collective action and social equality.
📝 In Action
El movimiento izquierdo ha ganado mucha fuerza.
B2The left-wing movement has gained a lot of strength.
El candidato más izquierdo sorprendió a todos.
C1The most leftist candidate surprised everyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Political Noun Form
In politics, the feminine form 'la izquierda' is often used as a noun meaning 'the Left' (the political group or ideology itself), while 'un izquierdista' is a person who belongs to that group.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
Like in English, political terms can carry strong connotations. Use 'izquierdo' and 'derecho' carefully, especially when discussing sensitive topics.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: izquierdo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of 'izquierdo'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'izquierdo' and 'izquierda'?
'Izquierdo' is the masculine form (used for words like 'pie' or 'lado'). 'Izquierda' is the feminine form (used for words like 'mano' or 'puerta'). 'La izquierda' can also be used as a noun meaning 'the left side' or, politically, 'the Left'.
How do I say 'turn left'?
The most common phrase is 'Gira a la izquierda.' You use 'la izquierda' (the feminine noun form) here, which acts like an adverbial phrase meaning 'to the left.'