Signification
To be insignificant or have no value in a situation.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this phrase is often used with a tone of 'indignación' (outrage). It's a common way to protest against bureaucracy. In many LatAm countries, the phrase is used frequently in romantic contexts to describe a 'third wheel' or someone being 'ghosted' by a crush. The phrase highlights the importance of 'protagonismo' (being a protagonist) in Hispanic social life; being a zero is the ultimate social failure.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's a great way to show humility or humor when you don't know a topic. 'En matemáticas, soy un cero a la izquierda'.
Don't use it for objects
This idiom is almost exclusively for people or their opinions. You wouldn't call a broken phone a 'cero a la izquierda'.
Signification
To be insignificant or have no value in a situation.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's a great way to show humility or humor when you don't know a topic. 'En matemáticas, soy un cero a la izquierda'.
Don't use it for objects
This idiom is almost exclusively for people or their opinions. You wouldn't call a broken phone a 'cero a la izquierda'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'ser'.
En mi antiguo trabajo, yo ___ un cero a la izquierda.
We use 'ser' (imperfect 'era') to describe a status or characteristic in the past.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a woman speaking?
A woman wants to say she is ignored at home:
'Cero' is masculine, so 'un' is always used.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are in a meeting and your boss never lets you speak.
This fits the context of having no influence or voice.
Complete the dialogue.
Pedro: '¿Vienes a la reunión?' Marta: 'No, no voy. Total, allí soy ___.'
Marta feels her presence doesn't matter, so she uses the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEn mi antiguo trabajo, yo ___ un cero a la izquierda.
We use 'ser' (imperfect 'era') to describe a status or characteristic in the past.
A woman wants to say she is ignored at home:
'Cero' is masculine, so 'un' is always used.
You are in a meeting and your boss never lets you speak.
This fits the context of having no influence or voice.
Pedro: '¿Vienes a la reunión?' Marta: 'No, no voy. Total, allí soy ___.'
Marta feels her presence doesn't matter, so she uses the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt can be. Calling someone else a 'cero a la izquierda' is an insult to their importance. Using it for yourself is just expressing a feeling.
Yes, 'Somos unos ceros a la izquierda', but it is much more common in the singular.
No. Always 'un cero', even for women.
Expressions liées
No pintar nada
synonymTo have no role or importance.
Ser el último mono
similarTo be the least important person in a hierarchy.
Ser la mano derecha
contrastTo be the most important helper/assistant.
