Portuguese Phrase
Ou viro à esquerda?
Meaning
A polite question asking whether the speaker should turn left. It is commonly used when you are looking for directions and want confirmation before making a turn.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are unsure about the correct direction while walking, driving, or using public transport, and you want the person you’re asking to confirm the best way to proceed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ouviroàesquerda?
Ou (or)
A coordinating conjunction used to present an alternative or a choice.
viro (virar)
First‑person singular present indicative of the verb virar ‘to turn’. It is a regular -ar verb.
à (a + a)
Contraction of the preposition a (to) and the feminine definite article a (the). It signals direction toward a feminine noun.
esquerda (left)
A feminine noun meaning ‘left’; used with the preposition à to indicate the side of a turn.
🗨In Conversation
Ou viro à esquerda?
Or do I turn left?
Sim, vire à esquerda no próximo cruzamento.
Yes, turn left at the next intersection.
✕Common Mistakes
Ou viro a esquerda?
Missing the accent on à; the correct contraction is à (a + a).
Ou viro esquerda?
The preposition à is required before the noun esquerda.
Ou virar à esquerda?
If you want a more formal request, use the infinitive virar with devo: ‘Devo virar à esquerda?’
↔Alternatives
Devo virar à esquerda?
Should I turn left?
É para a esquerda?
Is it to the left?
Eu devo virar à esquerda?
Do I have to turn left?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal people often give directions using landmarks (e.g., ‘virar à esquerda na padaria’). If you’re in a busy city, it’s polite to say ‘Desculpe’ before asking. Also, avoid using ‘ou’ when you only need a single answer; ‘Devo virar à esquerda?’ sounds more natural in most contexts.