Direction Nouns: 左 & 右
方位名词：左/右
Specify left and right using 左边 / 右边 / 左面 / 右面
左 (left) and 右 (right) work like the HSK 1 direction nouns 上/下/里/外/前/后, but always combine with a suffix (—边 or —面) when acting as standalone location nouns.
Almost never used bare. Always 左边, 右边, 左面, 右面, 左手, 右手 (right-hand side / left-hand side). 左拐 / 右拐 = "turn left / right" (V phrases).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Direction Nouns: 左 & 右 (方位名词：左/右)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 方位名词：左/右 pattern
New here?
Understanding 方位名词：左/右
Adding 左 (zuǒ) and 右 (yòu) to your HSK 1 location toolkit lets you give and follow real-world directions. Like 上/下/里/外, these are bound morphemes that combine with —边 or —面 to act as standalone nouns. 左边 (the left side), 右手 (right-hand side). When giving directions, the verbs 拐 (turn) and 走 (go) pair naturally: 往左拐 (turn left), 一直走 (go straight). HSK 2 expects you to read store signs, navigate a metro, and tell a taxi driver where to turn — 左/右 unlock all of that.
Key Points
- 左边 (zuǒbiān) / 左面 (zuǒmiàn) — the left side.
- 右边 (yòubiān) / 右面 (yòumiàn) — the right side.
- 左手 / 右手 — the left-hand / right-hand side (also literally "left/right hand").
- 往左拐 / 往右拐 — "turn left / right." Common in taxi directions.
- 左 / 右 cannot stand alone as a noun: 在右 ✗ → 在右边 ✓.
- For ranking or sequence, 左 / 右 also appear in compounds: 左右 (approximately), 左手边 (left-hand side).
- Position the location relative to the speaker: 在我的左边 (on my left).
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
洗手间在右边。
The restroom is on the right.
银行在你的左边。
The bank is on your left.
请在前面的路口往右拐。
Please turn right at the intersection ahead.
往 + direction + V.
我家在马路右边。
My house is on the right side of the road.
请坐在他的左面。
Please sit on his left.
商店左右都是饭馆。
There are restaurants on both sides of the shop.
Tips & Tricks
左/右 NEVER stand alone in a noun slot. Always pair with —边 or —面 (or —手 for "side").
For directions while driving: 往左拐 / 往右拐 / 一直走. These three phrases get you anywhere.
左右 (zuǒyòu, "left-right") also means "approximately" before a number: 三十块左右 (around 30 yuan).