左手
Meanings
1
Refers to the actual hand on the left side of the body. Common with particles such as 左手で, 左手に, and 左手を.
She writes with her left hand.
I am wearing a ring on my left hand.
2
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
left-hand side; left-hand direction; on the left
Uses 手 in the sense of 'side' or 'direction'; often appears as 左手に, 左手の, or 左手側 to describe where something is located.
When you leave the station, there is a post office on your left.
Please go straight along the road on the left.
Usage patterns
- 左手で〈動詞〉to do something with one's left hand
He plays the guitar with his left hand.
- 左手に〈物〉があるsomething is located on the left-hand side
As you leave the station, there's a convenience store on your left.
- 左手を〈動詞〉to move or use one's left hand (e.g. raise, hold up)
If you have a question, please raise your left hand.
- 左手側on the left-hand side (of something)
The reception desk is on the left-hand side of the venue.
Expressions
- 左手の法則Fleming's left-hand rule