Meaning
Giving direction to move to the left.
Cultural Background
'Rẽ trái' is the standard term used in Hanoi and surrounding provinces. It sounds more formal and is used in all official broadcasts. In Saigon, 'Quẹo trái' is the king of the streets. Using 'rẽ' might mark you as a Northerner or a tourist, though it's perfectly understood. In Vietnam, turning left often requires navigating through a sea of oncoming motorbikes. The phrase is often shouted to warn others. The shift from Sino-Vietnamese 'tả' to native 'trái' reflects the democratization of the language over centuries.
Use your hands
When saying 'rẽ trái' to a driver, always point left to avoid any tonal misunderstandings.
Check for signs
Many streets in Hanoi and Saigon have 'Cấm rẽ trái' (No left turn) signs that apply only to cars.
Meaning
Giving direction to move to the left.
Use your hands
When saying 'rẽ trái' to a driver, always point left to avoid any tonal misunderstandings.
Check for signs
Many streets in Hanoi and Saigon have 'Cấm rẽ trái' (No left turn) signs that apply only to cars.
Southern Style
If you are in the South, use 'Quẹo trái' to immediately sound more friendly and local.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to tell a driver to turn left.
Anh ơi, làm ơn ____.
'Rẽ trái' is the correct term for turning left.
Fill in the missing word for 'left'.
Đến ngã tư, bạn hãy rẽ ____.
'Trái' means left in this context.
Match the regional variation to the city.
Which phrase is most common in Ho Chi Minh City?
'Quẹo trái' is the preferred Southern dialect form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tôi nên đi đường nào? B: Bạn nên ____ ở đèn xanh đèn đỏ.
Turning left is a logical direction for a route.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAnh ơi, làm ơn ____.
'Rẽ trái' is the correct term for turning left.
Đến ngã tư, bạn hãy rẽ ____.
'Trái' means left in this context.
Which phrase is most common in Ho Chi Minh City?
'Quẹo trái' is the preferred Southern dialect form.
A: Tôi nên đi đường nào? B: Bạn nên ____ ở đèn xanh đèn đỏ.
Turning left is a logical direction for a route.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral and appropriate for all situations, though 'quẹo trái' is more casual in the South.
Yes, it applies to walking, driving, and cycling.
The opposite is 'rẽ phải' (turn right).
You say 'Cấm rẽ trái'.
Yes, it can mean 'fruit' or 'wrong/contrary' depending on context.
It's a regional dialect preference that has existed for centuries.
In the South, yes. In the North, it sounds like a 'z'.
Yes, that means 'turn to the left side'.
Say 'hơi rẽ trái một chút'.
Yes, it is the standard voice command for Vietnamese GPS.
Related Phrases
Rẽ phải
contrastTurn right
Đi thẳng
similarGo straight
Quay đầu
similarU-turn
Ngã tư
contextIntersection
Đường một chiều
contextOne-way street
