COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
Understanding 左
Detailed component breakdown coming soon
Use the stroke animation above to study the character’s complete form.
Traditional etymology note: A left hand; compare 又
More “zuo” characters →Link copied to clipboard!
How to Write 左 (zuǒ) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
left
zuǒTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 5 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
zuǒ
左
left
Common words
zuǒ biān
左边
left; the left side; to the left of
zuǒ yòu
左右
left and right; nearby; approximately; attendant
zuǒ gù yòu pàn
左顾右盼
glancing to left and right (idiom); to look all around
zuǒ
左
left; the Left (politics); east; unorthodox
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
左
左
左
左
左
左
左
左
LEARNING TIP
Remember 左
Say “zuǒ” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 5 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 左
Common words and phrases
zuǒ biān
left; the left side; to the left of
zuǒ yòu
left and right; nearby; approximately; attendant
zuǒ gù yòu pàn
glancing to left and right (idiom); to look all around
zuǒ
left; the Left (politics); east; unorthodox
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 左?
左 is written with 5 strokes.
What does 左 (zuǒ) mean?
左 (zuǒ) means left.
What is the radical of 左?
The radical of 左 is 工, associated with Not yet classified.