kanan
/ˈkanan/
The Tagalog word for 'right' is kanan.
kanan is used to describe the direction or side that is opposite of left. While it refers to the physical direction, it is distinct from words meaning legal or moral entitlements or words used to confirm agreement.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
kanan is the direct antonym of kaliwa (left). Note that if you mean 'right' in the sense of 'correct' or 'spot on', you should use tumpak or if you mean 'right' as in 'okay' to express agreement, you use ayos.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
kanan functions as both a noun, referring to the right side and as an adjective, describing something located on the right side.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkanan/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use kanan when referring to a legal or moral right, such as a human right. In those cases, the correct word is karapatan.
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a place to eat, you might see the word kanan on a sign. In certain contexts, it is a shortened form of kainan, which means a place for eating.
- In many parts of the Philippines, the word for 'left' is culturally associated with being 'clumsy' or 'awkward', unlike the direction 'right'.
- The word kanan is a loanword from Malay, showing the deep historical influence of Malay trade and culture on the Tagalog language.
Examples in context
- Sa kanan ka lang!Keep to the right!This sentence is useful for giving directions to stay on the kanan side.Tatoeba #10170031 by theSardonyx, translation #3084165 by carlosalberto
- Nasa kanan ang labasan.The exit is on the right.This sentence is useful for locating an exit on the kanan side.Tatoeba #8772963 by artemio, translation #8739343 by CK
- Masakit ang kanang balikat ko.My right shoulder hurts.This sentence is useful for describing a body part located on the kanan side.Tatoeba #11447363 by qwertzu, translation #481812 by CK
- Ang sagot mo ay tama.Your answer is correct.
- Tama ang sinabi mo.What you said is right.
- Magsuot ka ng tama para sa okasyon.Wear the right attire for the occasion.
- Ang mga patakaran na ito ay tama.These rules are correct/appropriate.
- Ang bahay niya ay sa ibaba sa kanan.His/her house is down on the right side.
- Oo nga, tama na yan.Yes, that's right. Stop it.
- Pinatawa mo ako, tumpak!You made me laugh, precisely!
- Sama-sama tayong maglinis ng bahay, ayos?Let's clean the house together, okay?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Jose are walking in a park.
- MariaLiko ka sa kanan.Turn to the right.
- JoseSa kanan ba?To the right?
- MariaOo, sa kanan ang daan.Yes, the path is to the right.
- JoseSalamat, Maria.Thanks, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries kanan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kanan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
