…左右 zuǒyòu

…左右（zuǒyòu）means “approximately; around (a number)”. Placed after a number-measure phrase to indicate an approximate amount. Formation: 数量词 + 左右

approximately; around (a number)

HSK3

Formation

数量词 + 左右

Explanation

Placed after a number-measure phrase to indicate an approximate amount. It works with ages, times, quantities, prices, and so on. The real figure may be slightly more or slightly less than the stated one.

Examples

他三十岁左右。
tā sānshí suì zuǒyòu
He is about thirty years old.
我们八点左右见面。
wǒmen bā diǎn zuǒyòu jiànmiàn
Let's meet around eight o'clock.

Note

左右 always follows the number, never before it. It is read zuǒyòu.

FAQ

…左右 — what does it mean and how is it used?

approximately; around (a number). Placed after a number-measure phrase to indicate an approximate amount. It works with ages, times, quantities, prices, and so on. The real figure may be slightly more or slightly less than the stated one.

…左右 — how do you form it?

数量词 + 左右

…左右 — any usage notes?

左右 always follows the number, never before it. It is read zuǒyòu.

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