soy heterosexual
/soi eteɾoseɡswal/from spelling rules
To say "I am straight" in Spanish, use soy heterosexual.
This phrase is used to state that a person is not homosexual.
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers often use the adjective "straight" as a standalone descriptor for sexual orientation. In Spanish, you should not use the word recto for this purpose, as soy recto would instead imply that you are straight in terms of your physical posture or your moral character.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb ser (in the form soy) because sexual orientation is considered an inherent characteristic in Spanish.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using soy recto to describe your sexual orientation, as this refers to physical straightness or morality instead.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, describing someone as recto is a high compliment meaning they are an incorruptible person who never bends their principles.
- Because sexual orientation uses the verb ser, it is grammatically grouped with your name, your nationality and your birth date.
- While soy heterosexual is the formal term, many Spanish speakers use the shortened version soy hetero in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- No te preocupes, soy heterosexual.Don't worry, I am straight.
- Él me preguntó si soy heterosexual.He asked me if I am straight.
- Soy heterosexual y me gustan las mujeres.I am straight and I like women.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing their dating lives.
- DanielLucía, ¿te gusta algún chico?Lucía, do you like any guys?
- LucíaSí, soy heterosexual.Yes, I am straight.
- DanielEntiendo, yo también soy heterosexual.I understand, I am straight too.
- LucíaQué bien, Daniel.That's great, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries heterosexual, soy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
