sağ
/ˈsaː/
The English word "right" (referring to direction) is translated into Turkish as sağ.
sağ is used specifically to describe the direction that is the opposite of left, which is sol.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
While sağ refers to the physical direction, the word doğru is a common translation for "right" when used in more formal settings. Additionally, if you mean "right" as in a legal or moral entitlement, you must use hak instead of sağ.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this word for movement or location, you can add suffixes. Adding the dative case suffix -a results in sağa, meaning "to the right". Adding the locative case suffix -da results in sağda, meaning "on the right".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈsaː/. The [s] sound is like the [s] in the English word "send".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use sağ to mean a legal or moral right. In those instances, the correct word is hak.
Did you know?
- In certain traditional Turkish contexts, you might hear the phrase sağ olun, which literally translates to 'be alive' but is actually used to say 'thank you'.
- Because sağ can mean 'alive', a sentence like 'he is still sağ' means he has survived, not that he is on the right side.
- In Turkish, the word sağ shares its root with the concept of being 'healthy'.
Examples in context
- Sağ elinde ne var?What do you have in your right hand?This sentence shows how to use sağ to identify a body part.Tatoeba #2728257 by duran, translation #2479358 by CK
- O sağa sola baktı.He looked right and left.This sentence demonstrates the use of sağ in the context of looking around.Tatoeba #4622001 by duran, translation #4344439 by AlanF_US
- O sağdaki ilk kapı.It's the first door on the right.This sentence uses the form of sağ to describe the location of a door.Tatoeba #5184997 by duran, translation #5184781 by RobinvanderVliet
- Evet, haklısınız, bu konuda sizinle hemfikirim.Yes, you are right, I agree with you on this matter.
- 365 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve is giving Burak directions inside a building.
- MerveBurak, sağ taraftaki koridordan git.Burak, go down the corridor on the right side.
- BurakTamam, peki orada ne var?Okay, and what is there?
- MerveSağ köşede küçük bir ofis var.There is a small office in the right corner.
- BurakAnladım, teşekkür ederim Merve.I understand, thank you Merve.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries sağ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sağ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
