How do you say "On the left." in Japanese?

"On the left." in Japanese is "左側ですね。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘On the left.’ in Japanese

Q: What does "左側ですね。" mean in English?

"左側ですね。" means "On the left." in English. Usage tip: [〜ですね] confirms what you heard: “So it’s on the left, right?” It’s a friendly check, like repeating directions back to avoid mistakes.

左側ですね。

hidarigawa desu ne

[hee-dah-ree-gah-wah dess neh]

💬 Usage Tip: [〜ですね] confirms what you heard: “So it’s on the left, right?” It’s a friendly check, like repeating directions back to avoid mistakes.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Repeating back with [ですね] is very common in Japan and is seen as polite and attentive (not annoying).

Phrase Breakdown

左側

hidarigawa

[hee-dah-ree-gah-wah]

left side

Used to confirm directions: 左側ですね。= “On the left side, right?” (confirming what you heard).

Example

左側ですね、ありがとうございます。

The left side, right? Thank you.

ですね

desu ne

right?/isn't it? (confirmation)

Used when confirming information you think is correct: “..., right?”

Example

左側ですね。ありがとうございます。

Left side, right? Thank you.

Words in this phrase

です

desu

[dess]

is/are (polite copula)

Polite “to be.” Used to state or confirm information (e.g., ～です). In directions, it helps you sound polite and clear.

Example

出口はあちらです。

The exit is over there.

ね

[neh]

right?/isn’t it? (sentence-ending confirmation)

Sentence-ending particle used to seek confirmation or shared understanding. In directions: ～ですね = “..., right?”

Example

この道でいいですね。

This is the right road, right?

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