Meaning
left, left-hand
- sinister, grim, lurid, spooky, bad, ominous
In a sentence
Ha un forte dolore al braccio sinistro da ieri.
He has had a severe pain in his left arm since yesterday.
Hai sentito quel rumore sinistro ieri sera?
Did you hear that eerie noise last night?
Non mi piace quel sorriso sinistro.
I don't like that sinister smile.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| sinistro | masculine · singular |
| sinistra | feminine · singular |
| sinistri | masculine · plural |
| sinistre | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- For physical direction, sinistro is standard in anatomy, driving, and sports; on its own, sinistra is also the political left.
- Before a noun, sinistro often means ominous rather than directional: un sorriso sinistro. Put it after the noun for left-side meaning more often.
- Agree it normally: mano sinistra, occhi sinistri. In compounds like mancino, meaning can shift to handedness rather than simple left-side position.