This is the 420th most frequent Malay word.
kiri
"Left" (direction).
The word 'kiri' is used here to indicate the direction 'left'.
Saya belok ke kiri di simpang jalan itu.
I turned left at that intersection.
The word 'kiri' here specifies the left side in relation to a part of the body, the hand.
Tangan kiri saya terluka.
My left hand is injured.
The word 'kiri' metaphorically refers to leftist political ideologies.