HSK 3

# 左右

# zuǒyòu

approximately #

Structure

Number + Classifier + Noun + 左右 / Time word + 左右

How it works

The term '左右' is used after a specific number or time expression to indicate an approximation, similar to 'around' or 'about' in English. It is commonly used for measurements like time, age, money, and distance.

Examples

他大概三十岁左右。

Tā dàgài sānshí suì zuǒyòu.

He is probably about 30 years old.

我们下午两点左右在火车站见。

Wǒmen xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn zuǒyòu zài huǒchēzhàn jiàn.

We will meet at the train station at around 2 PM.

这件衣服五百块左右。

Zhè jiàn yīfu wǔbǎi kuài zuǒyòu.

This piece of clothing is around 500 yuan.

Common mistakes

Placing '左右' before the number (e.g., saying '左右五点' instead of '五点左右').

Tip

While '左右' goes after the number, the word '大概' (dàgài) can be used before the number for extra emphasis, as seen in the first example.

More HSK 3 grammar

V 好一 + M + N + 也／都 + 不 + V 那 V1了就 V2 V 来／去 V somewhere 来／去 V O 来／去 V 来／去 O

See # 左右 in real Chinese

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