derecho
/deˈɾet͡ʃo/
The Spanish word derecho means a legal entitlement or a moral claim to something.
derecho is used to describe a right that one possesses, such as a legal right or a moral claim.
Which one should you use?
derecho refers to a legal or moral right, whereas derecha refers to the physical direction 'right'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun derecho is derechos.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use derecho when they mean the direction 'right'. Use derecha instead.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, a derecho can refer to a specific fee or tax paid for a service, such as 'enrollment fees' for a university.
- The word derecho is a doublet of the English word 'direct', sharing the same Latin root meaning 'straight' or 'unswerving'.
- The term derecho can also mean 'straight ahead' when used as an adverb, such as in the phrase siga derecho.
Examples in context
- Derechos humanosHuman rights
- Tengo el derecho de votar.I have the right to vote.
- Es su derecho presentar una queja.It is his right to file a complaint.
- Todos los ciudadanos tienen este derecho.All citizens have this right.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing workplace rules.
- MaríaMateo, ¿sabes si tenemos derecho a un descanso?Mateo, do you know if we have a right to a break?
- MateoSí, el contrato dice que es nuestro derecho.Yes, the contract says it is our right.
- MaríaQué bueno, voy a tomar diez minutos ahora.That's good, I'm going to take ten minutes now.
- MateoYo también, vamos juntos.Me too, let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
