direito
/d͡ʒiˈɾej.tu/
The English word 'right' is translated into Portuguese as direito when referring to a direction.
When describing a direction, direito is the opposite of left. This same word is also used as a noun to mean a legal or moral entitlement, such as a privilege or prerogative. If you mean 'right' in the sense of fairness or justice, you may use justo. If you are using 'right' to mean 'correct' or 'accurate', you should use certo or the more formal correto.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
While direito refers to a direction or a legal entitlement, it is distinct from certo, which is used to describe something that is correct or accurate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the expression está certo is used flexibly in everyday conversation to mean 'it's right' or 'alright'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective for direction, direito must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use direita for feminine nouns, such as mão (hand) and direitos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /dʒiˈɾej.tu/.
When do people say it?
In informal settings, the expressions tá bom or tudo bem can be used to mean 'alright' or 'okay'.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the word for 'law' is Direito, which uses the exact same word as 'right' (as in a legal entitlement) and 'direction' (as in 'right-hand side').
- In many Portuguese-speaking contexts, if you say something is direitinho, you are not just saying it is 'very straight', but that it was done 'exactly right' or 'perfectly'.
- In Brazil, direito can be used colloquially as an adverb meaning 'properly'. For example, você não faz isso direito means 'you are not doing that properly'.
Examples in context
- É o seu direito.It's their right.This sentence demonstrates the use of direito as an entitlement.Tatoeba #2720164 by Ricardo14, translation #2249313 by CK
- Isto não é direito.This isn't right.This sentence shows direito used to mean 'right' in a different context.Tatoeba #2623200 by marcospcruz, translation #1871885 by CK
- Meu ombro direito dói.My right shoulder hurts.This sentence uses direito to indicate a direction.Tatoeba #1346548 by alexmarcelo, translation #481812 by CK
- Estou correto em dizer que essa é a solução adequada?Am I right in saying that this is the appropriate solution?
- Acredito que essa seja a resposta correta.I believe this is the right answer.
- É certo afirmar que o projeto será concluído a tempo?Is it right to say that the project will be completed on time?
- Você tem a resposta certa para essa pergunta?Do you have the right answer for this question?
- É importante que todos sejam tratados de forma justa e igualitária.It is important that everyone is treated fairly and equally.
- Nós lutamos pelos direitos justos dos trabalhadores.We fight for the fair rights of workers.
- Me encontre no shopping em meia hora, beleza?Meet me at the mall in half an hour, alright?
- Podemos pegar o ônibus para chegar lá, tá bom?We can take the bus to get there, alright?
- Está certo, podemos nos encontrar na praça central.Alright, we can meet at the central square.
- 209 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are walking down a street.
- RodrigoVire à direita aqui.Turn right here.
- MarianaÉ nesta rua mesmo?Is it really on this street?
- RodrigoSim, o banco fica no lado direito.Yes, the bank is on the right side.
- MarianaAh, agora eu estou vendo.Ah, now I see it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries direito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
