derecho
/deˈɾet͡ʃo/
The English word 'right' can be translated into Spanish as derecho.
It can refer to a legal or moral entitlement, such as a human right.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
While derecho means 'straight' or refers to a 'right/law', the word for the direction 'the right' is the feminine noun derecha.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, the word pues is a versatile term used to express agreement, affirmation or to convey confirmation in rhetorical questions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to refer to the direction 'right', you must use the feminine noun la derecha.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using derecho when you actually mean the direction 'right'. To say 'turn right', you must use a la derecha. Using derecho will instead communicate the meaning 'straight ahead'.
Did you know?
- Because derecho means 'straight', a person who is 'derecho' might be described as someone who is direct or even blunt in their speech.
- The words derecho and directo are doublets, meaning they both descended from the same Latin root dīrēctus. While derecho evolved to mean 'right' or 'straight', directo maintained the sense of going 'directly' to a point.
- Spanish speakers use derecho to describe a physical posture. If someone is standing derecho, they are standing up straight rather than leaning or slouching.
Examples in context
- Lucha por tu derecho.Fight for your right.This sentence demonstrates using derecho to mean a legal or moral entitlement.Tatoeba #1764508 by Shishir, translation #912290 by kazuya00
- La muerte es un derecho.Death is a right.This sentence shows the use of derecho in the context of a right.Tatoeba #4752732 by DarkHollow, translation #2570630 by sabretou
- No tiene derecho de voto.He doesn't have the right to vote.This sentence illustrates derecho as a person's entitlement or right to perform an action.Tatoeba #7786924 by arh, translation #9678999 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Es esto correcto?Is this right?
- Es importante usar el lenguaje adecuado en una presentación formal.It is important to use the appropriate language in a formal presentation.
- Es necesario seguir el procedimiento justo para resolver problemas.It is necessary to follow the fair procedure to resolve issues.
- ¿Estás seguro de que esto es correcto?Are you sure this is right?
- Sí, es cierto. Fuimos al cine anoche.Yes, that's right. We went to the movies last night.
- Nos vemos a las 8, ¿vale?See you at 8, okay?
- Organizar una fiesta en tu casa, ¿de acuerdo?Throwing a party at your house, right?
- 194 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are walking down a street.
- LucíaGira a la derecha en la esquina.Turn right at the corner.
- JavierEstá el banco a la derecha?Is the bank on the right?
- LucíaSí, el camino derecho es el correcto.Yes, the right path is the correct one.
- JavierGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
