右
migi[mʲiɡʲi]
The Japanese word for "right" (direction) is 右 (migi).
右 is used to indicate the direction that is opposite of left. To specify the "right side" of an object or location, such as a seat or a road, speakers often use the term 右側. Note that 右 can also refer to a legal or moral entitlement when used in the form 権利, but for directions, use 右.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
migi
Did you know?
- The ending sound り in 右 was likely added over time simply because the word for 'left', 左 'hidari', ends with that sound.
- In ancient Japanese court hierarchy, the 右 'right' side was traditionally considered higher in rank and more prestigious than the 'left'.
- When writing addresses or lists, Japanese traditionally used a system where 右 'right' indicated the conclusion or the end of a document.
Examples in context
- 右肩が痛い。My right shoulder hurts.This sentence shows how to use 右 to describe a body part.Tatoeba #1087636 by bunbuku, translation #481812 by CK
- 私は右折した。I turned right.This sentence shows how to use 右 when describing a movement like turning.Tatoeba #1245236 by bunbuku, translation #258392 by CK
- 右に曲がって。Turn to the right.This sentence shows how to use 右 when giving a direction to turn.Tatoeba #5253130 by nihonjin, translation #27067 by CK
- まっすぐ歩いて、角を右に曲がってください。Walk straight, then turn right at the corner.
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are looking for a shop in a mall.
- 結衣 Yuiお店は右にあります。Omise wa migi ni arimasu.The shop is to the right.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。あそこですね。Hontou da. Asoko desu ne.You're right. It's over there.
- 結衣 Yui右のドアから入りましょう。Migi no doa kara hairimashou.Let's enter through the right door.
- 健太 Kenta分かりました。行きましょう。Wakarimashita. Ikimashou.I understand. Let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries 右, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 右, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
