Translation guide
The English word "left" can refer to direction, political orientation, remaining items, or the past tense of "leave". This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
Expressing the direction or side that is to the west when facing north.
The standard noun for 'left'. Can be used as a direction, side, or position.
左に曲がってください。
Please turn left.
彼は私の左に座った。
He sat on my left.
Specifically means 'left side'. Useful when emphasizing the side rather than the direction.
左側通行です。
Keep to the left side.
Referring to left-wing political ideology.
Standard term for 'left-wing'. Can be used in political contexts.
彼は左翼の政治家だ。
He is a left-wing politician.
Means 'leftist faction' or 'left wing'. Often used in news.
左派政党が勝利した。
The leftist party won.
Expressing that something remains or is left over.
The te-iru form of 残る (to remain). Used for things that are left.
まだ食べ物が残っている。
There is still food left.
From 余る (to be in excess). Implies surplus or extra left over.
お金が余っている。
There is money left over.
Expressing that someone departed or went away.
Past tense of 出発する (to depart). Neutral and common.
彼はもう出発した。
He already left.
Past tense of 去る (to leave). Slightly more literary or formal.
彼女は静かに去った。
She left quietly.
In English, 'left' can mean both direction and remaining, but in Japanese these are completely different words. Use 左 (ひだり) for direction and 残る (のこる) for remaining.