When driving or walking, if someone tells you to go "左拐" (zuǒ guǎi), they are instructing you to make a left turn. This is a very common and practical directional word.
You'll often hear it paired with other directions like "右拐" (yòu guǎi) for turning right, or used in sentences to guide someone to a specific location. For example, if you're asking for directions, someone might say "在这儿左拐" (zài zhèr zuǒ guǎi), meaning "Turn left here."
It literally combines "左" (zuǒ), meaning left, and "拐" (guǎi), meaning to turn or make a turn. So, it's quite straightforward!
When navigating or giving directions in Chinese, 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi) is the verb you'll use to say 'turn left.' It's a very common and practical phrase. Imagine you're in a taxi and need to tell the driver where to go, or you're asking for directions yourself. You'd definitely hear or use this phrase. It's direct and easy to understand, making it essential for basic navigation. Remember, it literally combines 'left' (左) with a verb meaning 'to turn' or 'to make a bend' (拐).
Grammar to Know
In Chinese, directions like 'left' or 'right' are often combined with verbs of movement, such as 'to turn' (拐 guǎi), to form directional verb phrases. The direction word comes before the verb.
你在这里左拐。(Nǐ zài zhèlǐ zuǒ guǎi.) - You turn left here.
When giving instructions or commands, '请' (qǐng), meaning 'please', can be added at the beginning of the sentence for politeness, followed by the directional verb phrase.
请左拐。(Qǐng zuǒ guǎi.) - Please turn left.
To specify *where* to turn left, you can use '在' (zài) + location + '左拐'.
在下一个路口左拐。(Zài xià yī gè lù kǒu zuǒ guǎi.) - Turn left at the next intersection.
The structure can also be used in questions, often with '怎么' (zěnme) for 'how' or '哪里' (nǎlǐ) for 'where'.
我应该在哪里左拐？(Wǒ yīnggāi zài nǎlǐ zuǒ guǎi?) - Where should I turn left?
When describing a completed action, you can add '了' (le) after the verb to indicate a change of state or completion.
他左拐了。(Tā zuǒ guǎi le.) - He turned left.
Examples by Level
你到了路口，记得要左拐。
When you reach the intersection, remember to turn left.
请在下一个红绿灯左拐。
Please turn left at the next traffic light.
我需要左拐才能到达图书馆。
I need to turn left to get to the library.
司机告诉我们，过桥后要左拐。
The driver told us to turn left after crossing the bridge.
地图显示我们在这里应该左拐。
The map shows we should turn left here.
如果你错过了左拐的路口，就得绕远了。
If you miss the intersection to turn left, you'll have to go the long way around.
前面有个小巷，左拐就到了。
There's a small alley ahead, just turn left and you'll be there.
为了避开高峰期，我们决定提前一个路口左拐。
To avoid rush hour, we decided to turn left one intersection earlier.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"左拐右拐"
To turn this way and that; to make many turns
我们左拐右拐，终于找到了那家小店。 (We turned this way and that, and finally found that small shop.)
neutral"向左拐"
Turn to the left
你可以在下一个路口向左拐。 (You can turn left at the next intersection.)
neutral"左拐弯"
To make a left turn
前面有个左拐弯，请注意安全。 (There's a left turn ahead, please drive safely.)
neutral"左拐进去"
Turn left to enter (a place)
从这里左拐进去，就是图书馆。 (Turn left in here, and it's the library.)
neutral"左拐走"
Turn left and go (in that direction)
你到了十字路口，左拐走。 (When you get to the intersection, turn left and go.)
neutral"左拐就到了"
It's just a left turn away; you'll arrive after turning left
再往前一点，左拐就到了。 (Go a little further, and you'll arrive after turning left.)
neutral"大左拐"
A sharp/big left turn
前面有一个大左拐，要小心。 (There's a sharp left turn ahead, be careful.)
neutral"小左拐"
A slight/small left turn
这里有个小左拐，不仔细看容易错过。 (There's a slight left turn here, easy to miss if you don't look carefully.)
neutral"连续左拐"
Consecutive left turns
这条山路有连续左拐，驾驶需要专心。 (This mountain road has consecutive left turns, driving requires concentration.)
neutral"左拐到底"
Turn left all the way to the end
你左拐到底，就能看到我的房子。 (Turn left all the way to the end, and you'll see my house.)
neutralSentence Patterns
从这里左拐。
从这里左拐，就能看到银行了。 (From here, turn left, and you'll see the bank.)
往前走，然后左拐。
你往前走大概一百米，然后左拐。 (You go straight for about a hundred meters, then turn left.)
在…路口左拐。
在第二个路口左拐。 (At the second intersection, turn left.)
你需要左拐。
你需要在这里左拐，才能到目的地。 (You need to turn left here to get to your destination.)
向左拐。
请向左拐，进入停车场。 (Please turn left to enter the parking lot.)
沿着这条路走，直到你看到…，然后左拐。
沿着这条路一直走，直到你看到一个大超市，然后左拐。 (Follow this road until you see a big supermarket, then turn left.)
指示你左拐。
导航指示你左拐。 (The navigation tells you to turn left.)
他告诉我左拐。
他告诉我左拐，但我不确定是不是正确的方向。 (He told me to turn left, but I'm not sure if it's the correct direction.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most common and practical way to say 'turn left' in Chinese is 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi). You might also hear 左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn), but 左拐 is very frequently used in daily conversation, especially when giving directions.
While both mean 'turn left,' 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi) is often considered more colloquial and frequently used in spoken directions. 左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn) can be a bit more formal or seen on traffic signs. For everyday use, 左拐 is perfectly fine and natural.
You can use it just like 'turn left' in English. For example:
请在这里左拐。 (Qǐng zài zhèlǐ zuǒ guǎi.) - Please turn left here.
你需要在下一个路口左拐。 (Nǐ xūyào zài xià yīgè lùkǒu zuǒ guǎi.) - You need to turn left at the next intersection.
The opposite of 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi) is 右拐 (yòu guǎi), which means 'turn right'.
Yes, you can use 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi) for turning a corner as well. It's versatile for any 'left turn' action.
他拐了一个弯。 (Tā guǎi le yīgè wān.) - He turned a corner. (Here 拐 is used generally, but 左拐 would specify left).
Think of 左 (zuǒ) meaning 'left' (it looks a bit like a person's left hand). 拐 (guǎi) means to 'turn' or 'bend'. So, 'left bend' or 'left turn'. Visualizing a car or person making a turn might help.
If you need to say 'keep going straight', you would say 一直走 (yīzhí zǒu). So, 'Go straight, then turn left' would be 一直走，然后左拐。 (Yīzhí zǒu, ránhòu zuǒ guǎi.).
左拐 (zuǒ guǎi) is used commonly for both driving and walking directions. It's a very standard and practical phrase for telling someone to turn left, regardless of their mode of transport.
The tone for 拐 (guǎi) is a third tone. So, it's zuǒ guǎi.
A common mistake is sometimes confusing the direction, or forgetting the verb. Just remember 左 (zuǒ) is 'left' and 拐 (guǎi) is the action of turning. Another common mistake is not distinguishing it from 左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn), but as discussed, for practical use, 左拐 (zuǒ guǎi) is excellent.
Test Yourself 90 questions
到十字路口请___。
The sentence means 'Please ___ at the intersection.' '左拐' means to turn left, which fits the context of giving directions.
前面路口，你___。
This sentence asks for a direction at the next intersection. '左拐' (turn left) is a common direction.
我们应该在这里___。
The sentence implies a need to change direction. '左拐' (turn left) is the most appropriate action.
从这里___，你就到了。
This sentence is giving instructions to reach a destination. '从这里左拐' means 'turn left from here', which makes sense in the context of giving directions.
请你___，然后直走。
This sentence is giving a sequence of directions. '请你左拐' (please turn left) is followed by '然后直走' (then go straight).
你需要在第二个路口___。
The sentence indicates an action at a specific intersection. '左拐' (turn left) is a common action when giving directions.
You are at a crossroad. Write a short sentence telling someone to turn left.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请左拐。 (Please turn left.)
Imagine you are giving directions to a taxi driver. Write a short sentence instructing them to turn left at the next intersection.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
下个路口左拐。 (Turn left at the next intersection.)
You are describing a route to a friend. Write a simple sentence that includes the phrase 'turn left'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你需要左拐。 (You need to turn left.)
What should you do after turning left?
Read this passage:
前面左拐，然后直走。 (Turn left ahead, then go straight.)
What should you do after turning left?
The passage says '然后直走' which means 'then go straight'.
The passage says '然后直走' which means 'then go straight'.
When should you turn left?
Read this passage:
到红绿灯，请左拐。 (At the traffic light, please turn left.)
When should you turn left?
The passage clearly states '到红绿灯，请左拐', meaning 'At the traffic light, please turn left'.
The passage clearly states '到红绿灯，请左拐', meaning 'At the traffic light, please turn left'.
What happens if you turn left?
Read this passage:
你在这儿左拐，我就到了。 (If you turn left here, I'll be there.)
What happens if you turn left?
The passage says '我就到了' which means 'I'll be there/I'll arrive'.
The passage says '我就到了' which means 'I'll be there/I'll arrive'.
在下一个路口，请___。
The sentence means 'At the next intersection, please turn left.' '左拐' means to turn left.
你看到超市后，需要向___走。
The sentence means 'After you see the supermarket, you need to go left.' '向左走' means to walk left.
我们应该在这里___吗？
The sentence asks 'Should we turn left here?' '左拐' fits the context of turning.
根据地图，我们应该___。
The sentence means 'According to the map, we should turn left.' '左拐' is the correct direction.
司机说他会在这里___。
The sentence means 'The driver said he would turn left here.' '左拐' is the action the driver will take.
你看到那棵树后，就___。
The sentence means 'After you see that tree, just turn left.' '左拐' indicates the next direction.
Which direction is '左拐'?
'左' (zuǒ) means left, and '拐' (guǎi) means to turn. So, '左拐' means to turn left.
If someone tells you '请在这里左拐。', what should you do?
'请' (qǐng) means please, '在' (zài) means at, '这里' (zhèlǐ) means here, and '左拐' (zuǒ guǎi) means turn left. So, '请在这里左拐' means 'Please turn left here'.
Which of these phrases means 'turn left'?
'左拐' (zuǒ guǎi) means turn left. '右拐' (yòu guǎi) means turn right. '直走' (zhí zǒu) means go straight. '往回走' (wǎng huí zǒu) means go back.
'左拐' is used when you want to tell someone to turn right.
'左拐' (zuǒ guǎi) specifically means to turn left. To turn right, you would say '右拐' (yòu guǎi).
If you hear '你需要在下一个路口左拐。', it means you should go straight.
'你需要在下一个路口左拐。' means 'You need to turn left at the next intersection.' not go straight.
The character '左' in '左拐' means 'left'.
Yes, '左' (zuǒ) is the character for 'left' in Chinese.
Someone is giving directions.
Directions involving a traffic light.
Locating the subway station.
Read this aloud:
我需要左拐吗？
Focus: zuǒ guǎi
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
在下一个路口左拐。
Focus: xià yí gè lù kǒu
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
一直走，然后左拐。
Focus: yī zhí zǒu
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
在十字路口，你应该___才能到达银行。
To get to the bank, you need to turn left at the intersection.
请在下一个红绿灯___，然后你就看到图书馆了。
The library is after you turn left at the next traffic light.
司机告诉我，要___才能进入停车场。
The driver told me to turn left to enter the parking lot.
如果你想去公园，过桥后要___。
To go to the park, you need to turn left after crossing the bridge.
地图显示我们应该在下一个路口___。
The map shows we should turn left at the next intersection.
到达目的地之前，你还需要___两次。
You still need to turn left twice before reaching your destination.
You are getting directions.
Someone is giving directions to a driver.
You're trying to find a bank.
Read this aloud:
前面左拐，然后一直走。
Focus: qián miàn zuǒ guǎi, rán hòu yī zhí zǒu.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请在下一个路口左拐。
Focus: qǐng zài xià yī gè lù kǒu zuǒ guǎi.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你必须左拐才能到那里。
Focus: nǐ bì xū zuǒ guǎi cái néng dào nà lǐ.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are giving directions to a friend. Tell them to turn left at the next intersection to find the bank.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在下一个路口左拐，银行就在那里。
Describe a scenario where you would need to tell a taxi driver to turn left.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
师傅，请在前面的红绿灯左拐。
Imagine you are explaining to someone how to get to your favorite restaurant. Include an instruction to turn left.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你一直往前走，看到邮局以后左拐，饭店就在你右手边。
小明在哪里左拐？
Read this passage:
小明要去图书馆。他需要先直走两个街区，然后在第三个路口左拐。图书馆就在左边。
小明在哪里左拐？
文章中明确提到“然后在第三个路口左拐”。
文章中明确提到“然后在第三个路口左拐”。
根据这段话，什么地方是左拐的标志？
Read this passage:
请问，去火车站怎么走？你可以一直往前走，看到一个大超市以后，在那里左拐。再走大概五分钟就到了。
根据这段话，什么地方是左拐的标志？
文章中提到“看到一个大超市以后，在那里左拐”。
文章中提到“看到一个大超市以后，在那里左拐”。
根据对话，他们应该在哪里左拐？
Read this passage:
司机问：我们是不是应该左拐？乘客回答：不，我们应该直走，下一个路口再左拐。
根据对话，他们应该在哪里左拐？
乘客明确说“下一个路口再左拐”。
乘客明确说“下一个路口再左拐”。
This sentence instructs someone to turn left at the next intersection. '你' (nǐ) means 'you', '在' (zài) is a preposition indicating location, '下个路口' (xià gè lùkǒu) means 'next intersection', and '左拐' (zuǒguǎi) means 'turn left'.
This sentence is a polite instruction to turn left at the traffic light. '请' (qǐng) means 'please', '在' (zài) indicates location, '红绿灯' (hónglǜdēng) means 'traffic light', '那里' (nàlǐ) means 'there', and '左拐' (zuǒguǎi) means 'turn left'.
This sentence explains that turning left is necessary to reach the store. '我们' (wǒmen) means 'we', '需要' (xūyào) means 'need to', '左拐' (zuǒguǎi) means 'turn left', '才能' (cáinéng) means 'only then can', '到' (dào) means 'arrive at', and '商店' (shāngdiàn) means 'store'.
Imagine you are giving directions to a friend who is lost. Tell them to turn left at the third traffic light.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你到第三个红绿灯的时候，记得左拐。
Describe a simple route from your current location to a nearby cafe. Include at least one instance of '左拐'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
从这里直走，到第一个路口左拐，咖啡馆就在你右手边。
Write a sentence using '左拐' to describe a situation where someone made a wrong turn.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我本来应该右拐，结果不小心左拐了，所以走错了路。
根据这段对话，图书馆在公园入口处哪个方向？
Read this passage:
您好！请问图书馆怎么走？ 从这里出去，往东走大概五百米，您会看到一个大公园。在公园的入口处左拐，然后一直走，图书馆就在您的左手边。
根据这段对话，图书馆在公园入口处哪个方向？
对话中明确指出 '在公园的入口处左拐'。
对话中明确指出 '在公园的入口处左拐'。
司机在第一个十字路口做了什么？
Read this passage:
为了避免交通拥堵，司机决定从小路绕行。他先是直行了大约两公里，然后在第一个十字路口没有右拐，而是选择了左拐进入了一条比较窄的街道。
司机在第一个十字路口做了什么？
文中提到 '在第一个十字路口没有右拐，而是选择了左拐'。
文中提到 '在第一个十字路口没有右拐，而是选择了左拐'。
到达B点前，游客需要在哪里左拐？
Read this passage:
导游指着地图说：“我们现在位于A点。要想到达B点，我们需要先向北走两个街区，然后在一家红色招牌的餐厅前左拐。沿着这条小路走大约一百米，B点就在您的右侧。”
到达B点前，游客需要在哪里左拐？
导游的指示是 '在一家红色招牌的餐厅前左拐'。
导游的指示是 '在一家红色招牌的餐厅前左拐'。
如果你看到红灯，你应该___。
红灯亮时，交通法规要求停车。选择“停车”最符合交通规则和逻辑。
他开车时习惯___，导致经常错过路口。
如果经常错过路口，那很可能是因为没有看导航或者对路线不熟悉。选择“不看导航”与“经常错过路口”的后果最为相关。
前面有个路口，你需要___才能到达图书馆。
在路口到达目的地，通常需要选择一个方向。本题情境是到达图书馆，故“左拐”是一种可能的路线指示。
在单行道上，即使没有指示，你也可以随意左拐。
单行道通常有特定的行驶方向规定，不能随意左拐，否则可能会违反交通规则。
遇到有“禁止左拐”标志的路口，司机必须直行或右拐。
“禁止左拐”标志意味着不允许车辆左转，因此司机必须选择其他方向，如直行或右拐。
如果你想去公园，而导航提示你“前方左拐”，那么你应该向右转。
如果导航提示“前方左拐”，那么你应该按照指示向左转，而不是向右转。否则会走错方向。
A person is asking for directions to the library. The directions involve walking straight and turning left at an intersection.
Someone is following navigation instructions while driving.
A person admits to making a mistake while walking or driving, indicating they missed a turn.
Read this aloud:
从这里到邮局，你只需要在第三个路口左拐就行。
Focus: 路口
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
沿着这条路走，看到咖啡馆后，你就要准备左拐了。
Focus: 咖啡馆
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
对不起，我没听清楚，是左拐还是右拐？
Focus: 清楚
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
如果从这条路直走，你会在第三个路口___，然后你就能看到图书馆了。
句子是在描述去图书馆的路线，前文提到'直走'，后文是'然后你就能看到图书馆了'，所以需要一个方向性的动作，'左拐'符合语境。
导航提示我们在这个交叉路口___，但是我觉得直走会更快。
根据'导航提示我们在这个交叉路口'以及'但是我觉得直走会更快'，可以推断导航给出的是一个转弯方向，'左拐'是一个合理的选择。
为了避开拥堵，司机决定提前一个街区___，走小路。
为了'避开拥堵'和'走小路'，需要改变方向，'左拐'是一个符合逻辑的动作。
指示牌上清楚地写着：'前方施工，请___。'
由于'前方施工'，通常需要'绕行'，而'左拐'是给出绕行方向的指令。
他走错了方向，本来应该在第二个红绿灯处___，结果他直行了。
句子描述的是'走错了方向'，并且有'本来应该在第二个红绿灯处'，'结果他直行了'的对比，暗示原本应是转弯，'左拐'是其中一个可能的转弯方向。
导游提醒游客：'过了那个牌坊，记得___，博物馆就在你的左手边。'
根据'博物馆就在你的左手边'，可以推断在'过了那个牌坊'之后需要向左转才能看到博物馆，因此'左拐'是正确指令。
在复杂的城市交通中，司机需要精确地按照导航提示来驾驶，有时甚至要连续地右拐或左拐，才能避免走错路。这个句子中，'左拐' 的语境含义最接近以下哪一项？
在交通语境中，'左拐' 指的是车辆或行人向左侧方向转弯。
会议室的门坏了，我们不得不从旁边的紧急出口绕行。出去后，向左拐，穿过走廊，就能找到另一个入口。句中'向左拐'表达的行动方向是什么？
'向左拐'是一个明确指示方向的词语，表示朝左侧方向移动。
在制定城市发展规划时，设计师考虑了未来交通流量的增长，特别是在一些主干道交汇处，可能需要增加更多的左拐车道来缓解拥堵。这里提到'左拐车道'是为了方便哪种行驶方式？
'左拐车道'是专门为车辆向左转弯设置的车道。
在十字路口，如果你想去对面的商店，而商店在路的左边，那么你需要'左拐'。
如果商店在路的左边，通常你需要向左转才能到达。
当交通信号灯显示红色箭头指向左边时，表示可以安全地进行'左拐'。
红色箭头指向左边通常表示禁止左拐，而不是可以安全左拐。
在没有交通信号灯的路口，如果看到'禁止左拐'的标志，司机仍然可以根据自己的判断选择'左拐'。
'禁止左拐'的标志意味着任何情况下都不能左拐，司机必须遵守交通规则。
This sentence means 'Turn left at the next intersection.' The structure is '在 (zài) [location] [action]'.
This sentence translates to 'You should turn left here.' The common structure is 'Subject + 在 (zài) [location] + 应该 (yīnggāi) + Verb'.
This means 'He directed us to turn left.' '指示 (zhǐshì)' means to direct or instruct, and '向 (xiàng)' indicates direction.
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Perfect score!
Example
在下一个路口左拐。
