Italian Phrase
Gira a sinistra al semaforo.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to turn left when they reach the traffic light. It is a concise, imperative way to give a navigation instruction, typical for drivers or pedestrians moving through a city.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving directions on the road or on foot, especially in urban settings where traffic lights are common reference points. It works well in casual conversation, navigation apps, or when a local asks you for help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Giraasinistraalsemaforo
Gira (imperative)
‘Gira’ is the second‑person singular informal imperative of the verb *girare* (to turn). Use it when giving a direct command to a friend or someone you address informally.
a sinistra (direction)
‘a’ + ‘sinistra’ means ‘to the left’. The preposition *a* is used to indicate direction in Italian.
al = a + il
‘al’ is the contraction of the preposition *a* (to) and the masculine singular article *il*. It is used before masculine nouns like *semaforo*.
semaforo (noun)
A masculine noun meaning ‘traffic light’. In Italian traffic signs, the word *semaforo* is commonly used.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, come arrivo al museo?
Excuse me, how do I get to the museum?
Gira a sinistra al semaforo, poi continua dritto per due isolati.
Turn left at the traffic light, then continue straight for two blocks.
✕Common Mistakes
Giri a sinistra al semaforo.
‘giri’ is the formal imperative; using it in an informal setting sounds stiff.
Gira a sinistra alla semaforo.
‘semaforo’ is masculine, so the article must be *il* → *al*, not *alla*.
Gira sinistra al semaforo.
The preposition *a* is required before the direction word.
↔Alternatives
Svolta a sinistra al semaforo.
Turn left at the traffic light.
Prendi a sinistra al semaforo.
Take a left at the traffic light.
Fai una svolta a sinistra al semaforo.
Make a left turn at the traffic light.
Cultural Tip
In Italy traffic lights often have a separate pedestrian green‑arrow; you may only turn left when the left‑turn arrow is lit. Also, ‘gira’ is informal; in a formal context (e.g., speaking to a stranger or a customer) you would say ‘giri a sinistra al semaforo’. In some regions people prefer ‘svolta’ over ‘gira’ for directions.