seguir recto
/seɡiɾ ɾeɡto/from spelling rules
To keep straight in Spanish is seguir recto.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to continue moving forward in a direct line without turning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb seguir (to follow/continue) and the adjective recto (straight).
Which one should you use?
While seguir recto is common, seguir derecho is a very frequent synonym used in many Spanish-speaking regions to mean the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving directions to someone formally, you use the imperative form siga recto instead of the infinitive seguir recto. When giving directions to a friend or someone you address informally, you use the imperative form sigue recto.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɡiɾ ɾeɡto/
Did you know?
- The word seguir is a cognate of the English word 'sue'. Both words derive from a Latin term meaning to follow or pursue a course of action.
- While seguir recto means 'to keep straight', the word recto is also the standard medical term for the 'rectum'.
- The Spanish word derecho in seguir derecho shares the same root as the English word 'law'. In Spanish, derecho can refer to both a straight line and the legal system.
Examples in context
- Siga rectoKeep straight
- Sigue derechoKeep going straight ahead
- Siga recto dos calles y luego gire a la derecha.Keep straight for two streets and then turn right.
- Tienes que seguir recto por esta calle.You have to keep straight along this street.
Example conversation
Mateo is giving Lucía directions to a nearby café.
- MateoLucía, sigue recto hasta el semáforo.Lucía, keep straight until the traffic light.
- Lucía¿Tengo que girar a la izquierda?Do I have to turn left?
- MateoNo, solo tienes que seguir recto.No, you only have to keep straight.
- LucíaEntendido, muchas gracias, Mateo.Understood, thank you very much, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries recto, seguir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
