vinstri

Vinstri is an Icelandic word meaning left. It functions as an adjective and, in context, as an indicator of leftward orientation. When placed before a noun, vinstri denotes the left-hand side or leftward direction, for example vinstri hlið (the left side) and vinstri hönd (the left hand). It also appears in phrases describing political alignment, where vinstri signals left-wing or progressive positions, in contrast to hægri (right).

In contemporary Icelandic politics, vinstri is used to categorize ideologies and groups that advocate social welfare, environmental protection, and civic inclusion. The term is common in media, academic writing, and public discourse. A prominent example is Vinstrihreyfingin – grænt frjálslyndi, the Left-Green Movement, a major political party founded in 1999 that presents a left-leaning, green platform. The name literally translates to "the Left Movement – Green Liberal."