A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Turn left" in Spanish
Learn how to confidently give or follow directions in Spanish using the standard phrase for turning left in any Latin American country.
Gire a la izquierda.
HEE-reh ah lah ee-KYEHR-dahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when giving instructions to a taxi driver or explaining a route to a pedestrian. It is clear, direct, and universally understood across all Spanish-speaking regions.
Alternatives
- Dobla a la izquierda.Common in casual, everyday conversation.
- A la izquierda.Best for quick, shorthand directions while pointing.
- Tome la izquierda.Often used when referring to taking a specific street or turn.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'izquierda' with 'derecha'
Remember that 'izquierda' is left and 'derecha' is right; they are easy to mix up when you are nervous.
Using 'girar' vs 'doblar'
Both are correct, but 'doblar' is slightly more common in casual speech while 'gire' sounds more like a formal instruction.
A small cultural note
While 'gire' is neutral, you will hear 'doble' used much more frequently in casual, daily life throughout Mexico and Central America.
Frequently asked
How do I tell a taxi driver to turn left?
Simply say 'Gire a la izquierda, por favor.' Adding 'por favor' at the end makes your request polite and natural.
Is there a difference between girar and doblar?
They are interchangeable for giving directions. 'Girar' is slightly more formal, while 'doblar' is the standard way to say 'turn' in most regions.
How do I ask someone to turn left?
You can say '¿Puede girar a la izquierda?' to ask if they can make the turn. This is a polite way to request a change in direction.
How do you tell someone to turn left in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'turn left' in Spanish is 'gira a la izquierda'. If you are addressing someone formally, you would use 'gire a la izquierda'.
What is Spanish for turn left?
The Spanish phrase for 'turn left' is 'gira a la izquierda'.
What is the Spanish verb for to turn?
The Spanish verb for 'to turn' is 'girar'.
How to pronounce turn left in Spanish?
The phrase 'gira a la izquierda' is pronounced 'HEE-rah ah lah eeth-KYEHR-dah'. The 'g' is soft, like the 'h' in 'hello', and the 'z' in 'izquierda' sounds like 'th'.
