δεξιά
dexiá
In Greek, the word for 'right' as a direction is δεξιά (dexiá).
δεξιά is used to indicate a direction, functioning as the opposite of αριστερά (left). This is distinct from words used for moral or legal rights, such as δικαίωμα or words used to change a subject in conversation, such as λοιπόν.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
While δεξιά is the adverb used to indicate direction (e.g., turning right), the adjective δεξιός should be used to describe someone who is right-handed or something that is located on the right side. Additionally, if you mean 'right' in the sense of 'correct', you would use the forms Σωστός (masculine), Σωστή (feminine) or Σωστό (neuter).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form δεξιά functions as an adverb for direction, whereas δεξιός is the adjective form used for descriptions.
How do you pronounce it?
dexiá
When do people say it?
In casual Greek speech, Οκέι is borrowed from English to express casual agreement and Καλά is used to confirm or acknowledge what another person has said.
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone is 'right-handed' in Greek, you use the adjective δεξιός, but in older or more poetic contexts, this was often a metaphor for being 'lucky' or 'favoured by the gods'.
- The Greek word for 'right' (dexiós) shares an ancient Indo-European root with the English word 'dexterity', which refers to skill and quickness of hands.
- In Greek culture, 'right-handedness' was historically associated with 'dexiós' (the right side) and thus with 'correctness' or 'goodness', whereas the left side was sometimes seen as unlucky.
Examples in context
- Η βιβλιοθήκη είναι στα δεξιά.The library is to the right.This sentence shows how to use δεξιά to indicate a location to the right.Tatoeba #3209643 by Zeus, translation #462766 by lukaszpp
- Το κτίριο στα δεξιά είναι ένα σχολείο.The building on the right is a school.This sentence demonstrates using δεξιά to describe a building on the right side.Tatoeba #3018489 by glavkos, translation #8972968 by Nylez
- Έστριψα δεξιά.I turned right.This sentence illustrates using δεξιά when giving a direction for a turn.Tatoeba #5451376 by Zeus, translation #258392 by CK
- Ο διευθυντής έδωσε τις σωστές οδηγίες.The manager gave the right instructions.
- Θα σε πάρω στις 8:00, καλά;I'll pick you up at 8:00, okay?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki is giving directions to Kostas on the street.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠρέπει να στρίψεις δεξιά εδώ.Prepei na stripsis dexia edo.You need to turn right here.
- Κώστας KostasΣτην επόμενηes γωνία;Stin epomeni gonia?At the next corner?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, η δεξιά στροφή.Ne, i dexia strofi.Yes, the right turn.
- Κώστας KostasΕντάξει, Κυριάκη, ευχαριστώ.Entaxei, Kyriaki, efcharisto.Okay, Kyriaki, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry δεξιά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries δεξιά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
