About
The character "左" originates from an early conceptualization of the left hand, with its structure integrating the components "工", possibly indicating a tool or labor, and "又", representing a hand, collectively conveying the idea of manual assistance or support. This initial meaning of aiding is evident in its close relationship with the character "佐", which specifically denotes helping, but the primary function of "左" gradually shifted to designate the directional concept of "left", a transition likely influenced by cultural contexts where the left hand was often associated with subordinate or auxiliary roles. Over centuries, its semantic range expanded to include representing the east based on traditional positioning systems, and it occasionally carried connotations of inferiority or deviation from accepted norms in classical literature and philosophical discourse, while its graphical form has maintained these core constituent elements through various stylistic adaptations in writing.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我的书在左边。
他用左手写字。
向左走就能看到公园。
教室的左边是图书馆。
在路口请向左拐。
我习惯用左手打篮球。
从左边数第三个座位是我的。
在政治观点上他倾向于左派。