a la derecha
direction, standard
To say "right" as a direction in Spanish, use derecha, as in a la derecha for "to the right". For "turn right", say gire a la derecha or dobla a la derecha. It is also called derecho.
Meaning: the right side, as a direction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| a la derecha | direction, standard |
| derecha | noun |
| derecho | adjective, masculine |
Derecha is a feminine noun for the right side, so you say a la derecha. The adjective is derecho for masculine and derecha for feminine: mano derecha and pie derecho.
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse it with derecho used as an adverb, which means "straight ahead": siga derecho. For the right as correct, Spanish says correcto instead.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The word for the opposite direction is izquierda, so a la derecha o a la izquierda is the standard pair.
Did you know?
- Derecho can mean "straight ahead", "right" and also "law", all from the Latin directus.
Examples in context
- Gire a la derecha en la esquina.Turn right at the corner.
- La farmacia está a la derecha.The pharmacy is on the right.
- Levanta la mano derecha.Raise your right hand.
Example conversation
A tourist asks for directions in Seville.
- TuristaDisculpe, ¿dónde está la catedral?Excuse me, where is the cathedral?
- SeñoraSiga derecho y gire a la derecha.Keep straight and turn right.
- TuristaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
