a la derecha
/a la deɾet͡ʃa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'on the right' is expressed as a la derecha.
The phrase is used to describe something that is located on or toward the right side of something.
Which one should you use?
To say 'on the left', you can replace derecha with izquierda to form a la izquierda.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to specify exactly what an object is to the right of, you must add the preposition de after the phrase, resulting in a la derecha de.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la deɾetʃa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using en la derecha to mean 'on the right'. Although English speakers may be tempted to use the preposition 'en' based on English structures, a la derecha is the correct standard for expressing location or direction.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, derecho can mean both 'right' and 'straight'. This can cause confusion when someone tells you to go derecho, as they may mean 'straight ahead' rather than 'to the right'.
- The word derecha shares a common ancestor with the English word 'direct', as both stem from the Latin 'directus', meaning 'straight' or 'not bent'.
- While derecha is the standard for 'the right side', the noun derecho refers to 'the right' in terms of legal rights and entitlements.
Examples in context
- Quédate a la derecha.Stay on the right.This sentence uses a la derecha to give a command to stay in a specific position.Tatoeba #1491672 by Shishir, translation #9725074 by 6dDcHYgMAg
- El salón está a la derecha.The living room is on the right.This sentence uses a la derecha to describe the location of a room.Tatoeba #7147846 by arh, translation #8464478 by shekitten
- ¡El metro está a la derecha!The metro is on the right!This sentence uses a la derecha to point out the location of the metro.Tatoeba #1774885 by Shishir, translation #1098331 by cntrational
- La tienda está a la derecha.The store is on the right.
- El museo está del lado derecho.The museum is on the right side.
- Puedes aparcar el automóvil por la derecha.You can park the car on the right.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking for a specific shop in a city.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está la tienda, Elena?Where is the shop, Elena?
- ElenaEstá justo a la derecha de la cafetería.It is right to the right of the coffee shop.
- AlejandroAh, ya la veo.Ah, I see it now.
- ElenaPerfecto, vamos hacia allá.Perfect, let's go towards it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, derecha, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
