Italian · Travel & Getting Around
"Left" in Italian: a sinistra
a sinistra
Left (direction) in Italian is a sinistra (ah see-NEE-strah). Say gira a sinistra (turn left) or è a sinistra (it's on the left). Sinistro is the adjective form for left-side things.
GPS-style walking tip
Al semaforo gira a sinistra.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce a sinistra
Say it
ah see-NEE-strah
/a siˈnis.tra/
Sinistra stresses NEE: see-NEE-strah. A sinistra flows as ah-see-NEE-strah.
"Left" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a sinistra | to the left; on the left Directions and locations. | Directions and locations. |
| gira a sinistra | turn left Driving or walking directions. | Driving or walking directions. |
| sulla sinistra | on the left-hand side Slightly more descriptive. | Slightly more descriptive. |
| la mano sinistra | the left hand Body side; sinistra as adjective. | Body side; sinistra as adjective. |
How to use a sinistra in real life
- 1GPS-style walking tip
Al semaforo gira a sinistra.
At the traffic light turn left.
Gira a sinistra is the stock turn phrase.
- 2Finding a shop
La farmacia è a sinistra della chiesa.
The pharmacy is to the left of the church.
A sinistra di + place.
- 3In a cinema
Il mio posto è a sinistra, vicino al corridoio.
My seat is on the left, near the aisle.
A sinistra for seating side.
Mistakes English speakers make with a sinistra
Incorrect: Gira sinistro al prossimo incrocio.
Correct: Gira a sinistra al prossimo incrocio.
For directions use a sinistra, not bare sinistro.
Incorrect: Il museo sta in sinistra.
Correct: Il museo sta a sinistra.
The fixed direction phrase takes a, not in.
Good to know
Spoken directions in Italy mix a sinistra with landmarks: dopo il bar, a sinistra. Drivers also hear tenersi sulla sinistra in some regions for keep left. Politics uses sinistra for the left wing—same word, different topic—so context matters.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Asking the way to the station
ChatPal
La stazione è a sinistra o a destra?
Is the station on the left or on the right?
You
Credo a sinistra, dopo il ponte.
I think on the left, after the bridge.
ChatPal
Ok, allora al ponte giro a sinistra.
Ok, then at the bridge I'll turn left.
You
Sì, e resta sulla sinistra del fiume.
Yes, and stay on the left side of the river.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Left" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Left" in Italian
How do I say turn left?
Gira a sinistra, or more polite with Lei: giri a sinistra.
What is the difference between sinistra and sinistro?
Sinistra is the noun/side in a sinistra. Sinistro is the adjective: il lato sinistro.
How do I say on my left?
Alla mia sinistra.
Is left-handed sinistra?
A left-handed person is mancino/a; you still say mano sinistra for the left hand.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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