How to Say “Left and right” in Chinese
Getting around · HSK 2
"Left and right" in Chinese is 左边和右边 (zuǒ biān hé yòu biān). Directions in Chinese: 左边 (zuǒbiān, left), 右边 (yòubiān, right), 前边 (qiánbiān, front), 后边 (hòubiān, back). Drop the 边 (side) for verbs: 左转 (turn left), 右转 (turn right).
Primary translation
左边和右边
zuǒ biān hé yòu biān
Traditional: 左邊和右邊
When to use it
Directions in Chinese: 左边 (zuǒbiān, left), 右边 (yòubiān, right), 前边 (qiánbiān, front), 后边 (hòubiān, back). Drop the 边 (side) for verbs: 左转 (turn left), 右转 (turn right). 直走 (zhí zǒu) is go straight. For "turn at the intersection" use 路口 (lùkǒu): 在前面的路口左转 (turn left at the intersection ahead). Chinese navigation apps announce directions in simplified spoken form.
Example sentences
前面路口右转。
Qiánmiàn lùkǒu yòu zhuǎn.
Turn right at the intersection ahead.
一直往前走。
Yìzhí wǎng qián zǒu.
Keep going straight.
在左边的第二个门。
Zài zuǒbiān de dì èr ge mén.
The second door on the left.