左右

zuǒyòu

HSK 4

左右 — zuǒyòu

1. approximately; about (used after a number)

   我们大概五十人左右。 wǒmen dàgài wǔshí rén zuǒyòu — We are about fifty people.

2. left and right; both sides

   桌子的左右都有椅子。 zhuōzi de zuǒyòu dōu yǒu yǐzi — There are chairs on both sides of the table.

3. nearby; in the vicinity

   他家就在车站左右，走两步就到。 tājiā jiù zài chēzhàn zuǒyòu zǒu liǎngbù jiù dào — His home is right near the station; just a couple of steps away.

4. attendant; follower (literary/archaic)

   古代将军左右常有亲信随从。 gǔdài jiāngjūn zuǒyòu chángyǒu qīnxìn suícóng — In ancient times generals often had trusted attendants.

5. to control; to influence; to have influence over

   董事长在公司里左右重大决策。 dǒngshìzhǎng zài gōngsī lǐ zuǒyòu zhòngdà juécè — The chairman influences major decisions in the company.