Inklingo
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zurdo

SOOR-doh/ˈsuɾðo/

left-handed

Also: left-footed
SpainLatin America
A child sitting at a table, holding a colorful pencil in their left hand and drawing on a piece of paper.

📝 In Action

Mi hermano es zurdo y escribe muy rápido.

A1

My brother is left-handed and writes very fast.

Necesito comprar unas tijeras para gente zurda.

A2

I need to buy some scissors for left-handed people.

El delantero es zurdo y tiene un disparo muy potente.

B1

The forward is left-footed and has a very powerful shot.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • siniestro (left-hand side (very formal/archaic))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mano zurda – left hand (often implying skill or tact)
  • pie zurdo – left foot
  • bateador zurdo – left-handed batter

Idioms & Expressions

  • tener mucha mano zurda – to be very tactful or good at handling difficult situations or people

left-hander, leftie

NounmA2
A baseball player wearing a glove on their right hand, ready to throw a ball with their left hand.

📝 In Action

Los zurdos suelen tener problemas con los abrelatas comunes.

A2

Left-handers often have trouble with common can openers.

Soy el único zurdo de mi familia.

B1

I am the only lefty in my family.

Se dice que muchos genios son zurdos.

B2

It is said that many geniuses are left-handers.

Word Connections

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • club de zurdos – left-handers' club

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "zurdo" in Spanish:

left-footed→left-handed→left-hander→leftie→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: zurdo

Question 1 of 3

If you want to say 'The girl is left-handed,' which is correct?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
zurdera(left-handedness) — Noun
zurdazo(a kick or hit with the left hand/foot) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
absurdoburdo
📚 Etymology▼

The word is likely of pre-Roman origin from the Iberian Peninsula. It is thought to come from a root meaning 'twisted' or 'clumsy,' which was unfortunately how left-handedness was viewed in ancient times.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: surdo (means deaf, but 'canhoto' is used for left-handed)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'zurdo' a bad word or an insult?

No. While centuries ago being left-handed was seen negatively, today 'zurdo' is the standard, neutral word for left-handed people.

How do you say 'left-handed' in a professional way?

You simply say 'zurdo.' It is used in medicine, sports, and formal writing.

Can 'zurdo' describe objects?

Usually no. You describe objects by the side they are on (e.g., 'el lado izquierdo'). However, you can say 'tijeras para zurdos' (scissors for lefties).