In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'turn left' in Chinese.
- Composed of 'left' (zuǒ) and 'turn' (zhuǎn).
- Essential for taxis, GPS, and giving directions.
Meaning
This is the most direct way to tell someone to make a left turn. It is short, punchy, and gets you where you need to go.
Key Examples
3 of 6Directing a taxi driver
师傅，前面路口左转。
Master (driver), turn left at the intersection ahead.
Giving walking directions to a friend
到超市那里往左转就到了。
Turn left at the supermarket and you'll be there.
Formal instruction
请向左转，进入会议室。
Please turn left to enter the meeting room.
Cultural Background
In Beijing, you might hear '左拐' (zuǒguǎi) more often than '左转' (zuǒzhuǎn) in casual speech. The usage is very similar, but '左转' is standard in all formal navigation systems. While Mandarin is understood, Cantonese speakers often use '转左' (zyun2 zo2).
Use with 'Please'
Always add {请|qǐng} to be polite when asking a driver to turn.
Don't use for location
Never say 'The bank is left-turn'. Use 'The bank is on the left'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'turn left' in Chinese.
- Composed of 'left' (zuǒ) and 'turn' (zhuǎn).
- Essential for taxis, GPS, and giving directions.
What It Means
左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn) is your basic navigation command. It combines 左 (left) and 转 (to turn). It is the verbal equivalent of a blinking left arrow. You will hear this from GPS apps, taxi drivers, and helpful strangers. It is simple and impossible to misunderstand.
How To Use It
Use it as a command or a direction. If you are directing a driver, just say 左转. If you want to be more polite, add a 请 (please) at the start. You can also add 往 (towards) to say 往左转. It works perfectly in short bursts. No need for complex grammar here.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly while traveling. Use it when giving directions to a Didi driver. Use it when explaining how to find your favorite hidden dumpling shop. It is also great for giving walking directions to friends. If you are the navigator in the passenger seat, this is your go-to phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are trying to describe a 'leftist' political view. That is a different context entirely. Also, avoid using it as a standalone command to a superior without a 'please'. It might sound a bit like you are barking orders. If you are at a literal fork in the road of life, this phrase is too literal for deep metaphors. Stick to the streets for this one.
Cultural Background
In China, directions are often given using cardinal points (North, South, East, West). This is especially true in cities like Beijing. However, 左转 is the universal language of the 'now'. In the age of GPS and ride-sharing, everyone understands 'left' and 'right'. It is the modern, fast-paced way to navigate the urban jungle.
Common Variations
You might hear 向左转 (xiàng zuǒ zhuǎn) which is slightly more formal. In some regions, people say 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi). 拐 also means 'to turn' but feels a bit more colloquial and 'street'. If you are in a car, you might hear 左转弯 (zuǒ zhuǎn wān). They all mean the same thing: don't go straight, don't go right, go left!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. In a professional setting, adding `请` (please) is recommended.
Use with 'Please'
Always add {请|qǐng} to be polite when asking a driver to turn.
Don't use for location
Never say 'The bank is left-turn'. Use 'The bank is on the left'.
Listen for it
You will hear this constantly in taxi rides. Listen to how the driver says it.
Examples
6师傅，前面路口左转。
Master (driver), turn left at the intersection ahead.
Using 'shīfu' is the standard polite way to address a driver.
到超市那里往左转就到了。
Turn left at the supermarket and you'll be there.
Adding 'wǎng' makes the direction feel more natural in conversation.
请向左转，进入会议室。
Please turn left to enter the meeting room.
Adding 'qǐng' and 'xiàng' increases the formality.
出了地铁站左转，我在咖啡店门口。
Turn left out of the subway station; I'm at the coffee shop entrance.
Very common way to coordinate meetups via WeChat.
那是右边！我说的是左转！
That's the right side! I said turn left!
A classic 'navigator vs. driver' argument moment.
快左转！我们要错过路口了！
Turn left quickly! We're going to miss the turn!
Adding 'kuài' (fast) adds urgency.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct way to tell someone to turn left?
A: 左转 B: 左边 C: 右转
左转 is the verb phrase for turning left.
Complete the sentence: 请在路口____。
请在路口____。
You need a verb here.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Taxi driver needs to turn left.
左转 is the correct command for a turn.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 怎么去学校？ B: 一直走，然后____。
You need a verb for the action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: 左转 B: 左边 C: 右转
左转 is the verb phrase for turning left.
请在路口____。
You need a verb here.
Taxi driver needs to turn left.
左转 is the correct command for a turn.
A: 怎么去学校？ B: 一直走，然后____。
You need a verb for the action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is for vehicles or movement directions.
Yes, it is a regional synonym.
Use '请左转'.
It is the standard character for the direction left.
Yes, on signs and maps.
Yes, it works for any mode of transport.
Say '在路口左转'.
The 'zh' sound is the trickiest part for beginners.
Related Phrases
右转
contrastTurn right
直走
similarGo straight
左边
similarLeft side
