Kaliwa
Kaliwâ with stress marks
the political Left
Also means
Kaliwa also means left (direction) in everyday Tagalog when written in lowercase.
Usage Note
Kaliwa when capitalized refers to the political left in Philippine discourse — progressive, socialist, or nationalist movements — repurposing the common directional word kaliwa in the same way English uses 'the Left.' The term appears regularly in news media and political commentary when discussing left-leaning parties and activism.
Examples
" Boboto ako sa Kaliwa. "
Natural Translation
I will vote for the Left.
Literal Translation
Will-vote I for Left.
" Ang Kaliwa ay nagprotesta laban sa bagong patakaran ng gobyerno. "
Natural Translation
The Left protested against the government's new policy.
Literal Translation
The Left protested against the new policy the-government.
" Maraming kabataan ngayon ang kumikiling sa Kaliwa dahil naniniwala silang dapat baguhin ang lumang sistema ng lipunan. "
Natural Translation
Many young people today lean toward the Left because they believe the old social system should be changed.
Literal Translation
Many youth now the lean to Left because believe they should change the old system of society.
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