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左

左 — left

Learn the correct stroke order for 左 (left), a 5-stroke kanji.

JLPT N5Grade 15 strokes

Stroke Order

12345
Stroke 0 / 5
On'yomi (音読み)サsa、シャsha
Kun'yomi (訓読み)ひだりhidari
Strokes5
Radical工
Frequency#630
Meaningsleft

Step-by-Step Diagram

1
2
3
4
5

Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 5 — start from the green dot

Common Words

左右さゆうleft and right; right and leftnoun
左記さきundermentioned (statement); the following; at leftnoun
左手ひだりてleft handnoun
左上ひだりうえupper leftnoun
左折させつturning to the left; left turnnoun
左遷させんdemotion; relegation; reduction in ranknoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 左 (left) is taught in grade 1 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N5 level. It has 5 strokes with radical 工.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 左 is #630, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

左右さゆう — left and right; right and left
左記さき — undermentioned (statement); the following; at left
左手ひだりて — left hand

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (工)

工craft巨gigantic巧adroit差distinction

Same reading

車car

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 左 have?

The kanji 左 (left) has 5 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 左?

左 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 左 mean?

左 means: left. On'yomi readings: サ, シャ. Kun'yomi readings: ひだり.

What JLPT level is 左?

左 is a JLPT N5 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.