gauche
left
The French word for 'left' is 'gauche'. It is used in the same contexts as 'left' in English, referring to the opposite side of right in directions or positions. For example, if you were giving someone directions in French, you'd say 'tournez à gauche' for 'turn left'. But please pay attention, 'gauche' also carries an informal meaning which refers to someone who is awkward or clumsy.
Example sentences using: gauche
Sur scène, il se tenait toujours à gauche.
On stage, he always stood on the left.
In this phrase, 'gauche' refers to a position on a stage, indicating that 'left' can be used in various contexts to indicate location or position.
La porte est à gauche.
The door is on the left.
In this sentence, 'gauche' is used to indicate direction or position, meaning left. It is a common usage in French when giving instructions or directions.
Tourne à gauche à la prochaine rue.
Turn left at the next street.
Here, 'gauche' is used to give a direction. This phrase is commonly used while driving or navigating around a city or town in French-speaking regions.
Je suis gauche avec les outils.
I am clumsy with tools.
In this case, 'gauche' is used as an adjective meaning clumsy or awkward. It is often used to describe lack of skill or coordination.
Sa main gauche était dans la poche.
His left hand was in his pocket.
'Gauche' is also used to describe left side of something or someone, in this case the left hand.
Il a inscrit son nom de la main gauche.
He wrote his name with his left hand.
This phrase uses 'gauche' to specify which hand is being used to write, which can be helpful in discussions about dominance of limbs.
Elle porte son sac à main sur l'épaule gauche.
She carries her handbag on her left shoulder.
'Gauche' here is used to describe on which side the bag is carried, indicating left side or position.
Ses vêtements sont un peu trop à gauche pour moi.
His clothes are a little too ostentatious for me.
Often used in older or more artistic language, 'gauche' in this context means ostentatious or showy. This is a metaphorical use of the word, rather than a literal reference to the direction 'left'.
J'ai mal à la jambe gauche.
My left leg hurts.
In this phrase, 'gauche' is used to describe the side where the pain is located, the left side of the person.
Le livre est du côté gauche de l'étagère.
The book is on the left side of the shelf.
'Gauche' here is specifying the location of an object on a larger platform, indicating left side or position.