左
- left side;
- to assist, support;
Etymology
The earliest form (𠂇) depicts a left hand.
In bronze inscriptions, 工 (craftsman’s tool, ‘work’) was added, reinforcing the sense of “help, assist.”
From this, the derivative 佐 (to assist) was formed by adding 人 (person radical).
Semantic range:
- left, left-hand side (opposite of 右 ‘right’);
- to assist, support (in classical usage);
- symbolic: associated with the “left side” in ritual/political contexts (e.g., 左相, left minister).
Usage in Korean
좌측 (左側) — the left side
좌우 (左右) — left and right
좌파 (左派) — left wing (politics)
좌전 (左轉) — left turn
보좌 (輔佐) — to assist, to support