Forgetting 'a la'
Mistake: “Saying 'Gira izquierda' or 'Dobla izquierda'.”
Correction: Gira a la izquierda / Dobla a la izquierda.
How to say
Turn left
in SpanishGira a la izquierda
HEE-rah ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
This is the most common and direct informal command for 'turn left'. You'd use it with friends, family, or anyone you address with 'tú'.
Giving clear directions like 'Gira a la izquierda' is essential for navigating new places in the Spanish-speaking world.
🎬Watch & Learn
Turn left — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
Gire a la izquierda
★★★★★
HEE-reh ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
formal🌍
The formal version of 'turn left'. This is your go-to when speaking to a stranger, an older person, or anyone you want to show respect to (like a taxi driver).
When to use: Use this when addressing someone as 'usted'. It's the safest and most polite option if you're unsure of the social context.
Dobla a la izquierda
★★★★★
DOH-blah ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
informal🌍
Another extremely common way to say 'turn left', using the verb 'doblar' (to turn/fold). It's practically interchangeable with 'gira' in casual conversation.
When to use: Perfect for giving casual directions to a peer. It's particularly frequent in Spain but understood everywhere.
Doble a la izquierda
★★★★☆
DOH-bleh ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
formal🌍
The formal command using 'doblar'. It's a polite alternative to 'Gire a la izquierda' and is also widely used and understood.
When to use: A great option for politely directing someone you'd address as 'usted', like a hotel concierge or a client.
Toma a la izquierda
★★★★☆
TOH-mah ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
informal🌍
This literally means 'take to the left' and is a very natural-sounding way to give directions, similar to 'take a left' in English.
When to use: Often used when specifying which turn to take, for example, 'Toma la segunda a la izquierda' (Take the second left).
Tome a la izquierda
★★★★☆
TOH-meh ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
formal🌍
The formal version of 'take a left'. It's a polite and common way to give directions.
When to use: Ideal for directing a taxi driver, a delivery person, or a tourist who has asked for help.
Doblá a la izquierda
★★★☆☆
doh-BLAH ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
informal🇦🇷 🇺🇾 🌍
This is the informal command used in countries with 'voseo', where 'vos' replaces 'tú'. Notice how the emphasis shifts to the last syllable.
When to use: Giving casual directions to someone in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of other Latin American countries.
Giren a la izquierda
★★★★☆
HEE-rehn ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
neutral🌎 🇪🇸
This is the plural command for telling a group of people to turn left. In Latin America, it's used for any group (formal or informal), while in Spain, it's reserved for formal groups you'd address as 'ustedes'.
When to use: When giving directions to a car with multiple people or a group of tourists walking together.
Girad a la izquierda
★★☆☆☆
hee-RAHD ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah
informal🇪🇸
The informal plural command ('vosotros') used exclusively in Spain for talking to a group of friends, family, or children.
When to use: You're in Spain giving directions to a group of friends you know well. Outside of this specific context, it's not used.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best verb for giving directions to turn left.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gira a la izquierda | Informal | The most standard, all-purpose informal command for friends and family. | Speaking to strangers, elders, or in any formal situation. |
| Gire a la izquierda | Formal | The safest, most polite option for strangers, officials, or anyone you respect. | Chatting casually with a close friend, where it might sound a bit stiff. |
| Dobla a la izquierda | Informal | Casual conversations, especially common in Spain. Sounds very natural. | Formal contexts; stick with 'gire' or 'doble'. |
| Tome a la izquierda | Formal | Politely telling someone to 'take a left,' especially when specifying a street. | You want to give a very sharp, direct command; 'gire' is slightly more forceful. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in a few hours
Pronunciation2/5
Fairly easy. The 'z' in 'izquierda' is like an 's' in Latin America and a 'th' in Spain. The 'qui' combo (/ky/) is the main sound to practice.
Grammar2/5
The main challenge is remembering to use the correct command form (informal 'gira' vs. formal 'gire'). Once you learn that rule, it's straightforward.
Cultural Nuance3/5
The formality distinction is important. Using the wrong one isn't a huge mistake, but using the correct one shows cultural awareness and respect.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the informal (tú) vs. formal (usted) command forms.
- Not confusing 'izquierda' (left) with 'derecha' (right).
💡Examples in Action
Casual directions to a friend on the street.A1
Sigue todo recto dos calles y luego gira a la izquierda.
Go straight for two blocks and then turn left.
Politely instructing a taxi driver.A2
Señor, en el próximo semáforo, por favor gire a la izquierda.
Sir, at the next traffic light, please turn left.
Giving directions over the phone to a friend.A2
Cuando veas la farmacia, dobla a la izquierda y ahí está mi casa.
When you see the pharmacy, turn left and my house is right there.
A local giving formal directions to a tourist.B1
Para el museo, tiene que tomar la primera calle a la izquierda después del parque.
For the museum, you have to take the first street on the left after the park.
🌍Cultural Context
Formal vs. Informal is Key
Choosing between 'gira' (informal) and 'gire' (formal) is important. When in doubt, especially with strangers, police officers, or elders, always use the formal 'gire'. It shows respect and is always a safe bet.
Hand Gestures are Part of the Language
Don't be surprised if verbal directions are accompanied by enthusiastic hand gestures. Pointing, waving, or even a chin jut in the correct direction is extremely common and helps clarify the instruction.
Landmarks Over Street Names
In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, especially in smaller towns or older city districts, people navigate by landmarks, not street names. You're more likely to hear 'turn left at the yellow church' ('gire a la izquierda en la iglesia amarilla') than 'turn left on Elm Street'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Left and Right
Mistake: “Mixing up 'izquierda' (left) and 'derecha' (right).”
Correction: Izquierda = Left, Derecha = Right.
Using the Wrong Formality
Mistake: “Telling a police officer 'Gira a la izquierda'.”
Correction: Gire a la izquierda, por favor.
💡Pro Tips
Listen for Three Key Verbs
Be prepared to hear 'girar', 'doblar', or 'tomar' when asking for directions. They all mean 'to turn' or 'to take' in this context. Recognizing all three will make you much better at understanding native speakers.
Combine with Sequencers
To sound more natural, string directions together with words like 'luego' (then), 'después' (after), and 'primero' (first). For example: 'Primero, sigue recto, y luego, gira a la izquierda'.
Confirm You Understood
Repeat the direction back as a question to make sure you got it right. A simple '¿A la izquierda?' ('To the left?') with a questioning tone works perfectly. This shows you're listening and prevents you from getting lost.
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:Dobla a la izquierda / Gira a la izquierda
Pronunciation:The 'z' in 'izquierda' is pronounced like 'th' in 'think': /ees-KYEHR-tha/.
Alternatives:
Tira a la izquierda (very colloquial)
The verb 'doblar' is extremely common, perhaps even more so than 'girar' in everyday speech. Also, Spain is the only place you'll hear the 'vosotros' command: 'girad' or 'doblad' for informal groups.
⚠️ Note: Avoid using 'ustedes' forms for an informal group of friends; use 'vosotros' instead.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:Gire a la izquierda / Doble a la izquierda
Pronunciation:The 'z' in 'izquierda' is pronounced like an 's': /ees-KYEHR-sah/.
Alternatives:
Dele a la izquierda (colloquial, like 'hit a left')Vaya a la izquierda
Mexicans often use the formal 'usted' form even in somewhat informal settings as a sign of general politeness, so 'gire' is very common. The verb 'doblar' is also frequently used.
⚠️ Note: The 'vosotros' form ('girad') will not be understood here.
🇦🇷
Argentina
Preferred:Doblá a la izquierda
Pronunciation:The 'll' in 'calle' is pronounced 'sh', which can affect surrounding words in directions. 'Izquierda' is pronounced with an 's' sound.
Alternatives:
Andá para la izquierda
The 'voseo' is king. The informal command is 'doblá' or 'girá', with the stress on the final 'a'. Using the 'tú' form 'dobla' will mark you as a foreigner, though you will be understood.
⚠️ Note: Using 'tú' commands like 'gira' or 'dobla' will sound unnatural. Embrace the 'vos' form 'doblá'.
💬What Comes Next?
After you give the direction
They say:
Vale, gracias.
Okay, thank you.
→
You respond:
De nada.
You're welcome.
They need clarification on the exact spot
They say:
¿Justo en la esquina?
Right at the corner?
→
You respond:
Sí, en la misma esquina.
Yes, on the corner itself.
They want to know how far
They say:
¿Está muy lejos?
Is it very far?
→
You respond:
No, está a unos dos minutos.
No, it's about two minutes away.
🧠Memory Tricks
For 'izquierda,' think: 'Is key air-da?' Imagine asking 'Is the key in the air there?' while pointing to your left.
This silly question uses sounds similar to 'ees-KYEHR-dah' and connects a physical action (pointing left) to the word, making it more memorable.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
Turn right
This is the natural opposite and essential for giving complete directions.
Go straight
This is the third fundamental command for giving directions, along with left and right.
Where is...?
This is the question you ask to receive directions, making it a perfect partner phrase.
Stop here, please
This is a crucial phrase for ending a taxi ride after you've given your directions.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: Turn left
Question 1 of 3
You are giving directions to a police officer in Mexico. How should you politely tell them to turn left?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'girar' and 'doblar' for 'turn'?
Functionally, there's almost no difference when giving directions. They are largely interchangeable. 'Girar' is a bit more universal and literal ('to rotate'), while 'doblar' ('to fold/bend') is also extremely common, especially in Spain. You can use either and be perfectly understood.
Do I always have to say 'a la izquierda'?
Yes, you almost always need the 'a la' part. It means 'to the' and is essential for the phrase to be grammatically correct. Think of it as 'turn to the left'. Simply saying 'gira izquierda' will sound wrong to a native speaker.
How do I say 'turn left at the corner'?
You would say, 'Gira a la izquierda en la esquina' (informal) or 'Gire a la izquierda en la esquina' (formal). 'En la esquina' means 'at/on the corner'.
Is it rude to use the informal 'gira' with a stranger?
It can be, depending on the country and the person's age. In some Latin American countries, using 'tú' is more common, but in others (like Mexico with elders), it's better to be formal. The safest rule is: if they are older than you, in a position of authority, or a stranger, use the formal 'gire'.
How do I tell someone to take the 'second left'?
You would say 'Toma la segunda a la izquierda' (informal) or 'Tome la segunda a la izquierda' (formal). You can replace 'segunda' (second) with 'primera' (first) or 'tercera' (third).
I'm in Argentina, what happens if I say 'gira' instead of 'girá'?
They will understand you perfectly! It will just mark you as a non-native speaker. Argentinians are very used to hearing other forms of Spanish, so it's not a problem at all, but using 'girá' or 'doblá' will make you sound more like a local.
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