Meaning
left (hand, direction)
- left side
- left turn, left direction
- the (political) left, left wing
In a sentence
La banca è subito a sinistra del bar.
The bank is just to the left of the bar.
Hai girato a sinistra dopo il semaforo?
Did you turn left after the traffic light?
Non trovo il guanto della mano sinistra.
I can't find the left-hand glove.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| sinistra | feminine · singular |
| sinistre | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Use 'sinistra' for left direction/hand; 'mancino' means left-handed. Don’t confuse them.
- In politics, 'sinistra' means 'left-wing'—no article needed (e.g., 'partiti di sinistra').
- Say 'a sinistra' for 'to the left,' not 'alla sinistra' unless specifying a place (e.g., 'alla tua sinistra').