v2.0

🫲Leftwards Hand EmojiUnicode: 1FAF2

A hand pointing left.

Released in The leftwards hand emoji 🫲 was introduced in Unicode 14.0 in September 2021 as part of a set of new hand gesture emojis to enhance expressive digital communication.

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Meaning and Interpretation

The leftwards hand emoji 🫲 depicts a hand with fingers extended and pointing to the left, symbolizing direction, guidance, or emphasis on something located on the left side. It is commonly used in text messages, social media, and online conversations to indicate movement, draw attention, or express disagreement subtly. This emoji adds a visual element to written language, making interactions more dynamic and intuitive, especially in contexts involving navigation, instructions, or casual pointing.

Symbolism

  • Indicating direction to the left, often used for navigation or guidance.
  • Representing a return or going back to a previous state or option.
  • Symbolizing left-handedness or a focus on left-side orientation in discussions.

Common Usage Scenarios

  • Directing attention in social media posts or stories to highlight elements on the left.
  • Providing simple instructions in messaging apps, such as giving directions while driving.
  • Pointing to previous items in online threads or conversations to reference past content.

Usage Examples in Conversation

Hey, the cool stuff is over here 🫲, check it out!
If you're lost, just go left at the intersection 🫲.
Swipe left on your screen 🫲 to see the next photo.
I was talking about the option on the left 🫲, not the right.
Remember to turn back 🫲 if you miss the turn.

Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

  • Use it only when direction is relevant to avoid confusing the audience.
  • Combine with other emojis for clarity, like adding a location pin for directions.
  • Avoid in formal contexts where text descriptions might be more appropriate.

Related Emojis

🫱

Rightwards Hand

Points to the right, used for opposite direction or forward guidance.

👈

Backhand Index Pointing Left

Similar pointing gesture, often for casual leftward indications.

👉

Backhand Index Pointing Right

Points rightward, complementing leftwards hand for balanced directions.

🤚

Raised Back of Hand

Signals stopping or attention, related to hand gestures.

🫳

Palm Up Hand

Represents receiving or offering, as another hand-based emoji.

🫴

Palm Down Hand

Indicates pushing away or downward motion, part of gesture set.

👆

Backhand Index Pointing Up

Points upward, useful for vertical directions alongside leftwards.

👇

Backhand Index Pointing Down

Points downward, contrasting with leftwards for full navigation.

🫰

Hand with Index Finger and Thumb Crossed

A hopeful or crossed fingers gesture, linked to hand expressions.

Raised Hand

Used for stopping or high-fiving, commonly paired with directional hands.