nounnounadjective
la gauche
left
C’est le côté du corps opposé à la main que la plupart des gens utilisent pour écrire ou faire des gestes précis.
Definition & meaning
The word gauche has two primary meanings depending on its context:
- Left (direction/position): It refers to the side of the body opposite to the right, or a direction toward that side. It is the opposite of droite .
- Awkward/Clumsy: When used to describe a person or their behavior, it means lacking social grace, tactless, or physically uncoordinated. In this sense, it describes someone who does not know how to conduct themselves appropriately in social situations.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is an adjective that remains the same in both masculine and feminine forms (gauche). When referring to the direction, it is often used as a noun with an article (la gauche).
- Word origin: The word comes from the Old French gauche (left-handed or awkward). Interestingly, in many European languages, the word for "left" historically carried negative connotations, which is why the adjective evolved to also mean "clumsy" or "socially inept."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms (direction):
Synonyms (clumsy/awkward):
Antonyms (direction):
Antonyms (clumsy/awkward):
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Examples
Tourne à gauche au prochain croisement.noun
Turn left at the next intersection.
Prends à gauche après ce bâtiment.noun
Turn left after this building.
Va à gauche au coin.noun
Go to the left at the corner.
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