derecha
/deˈɾet͡ʃa/
In Spanish, the word for the direction derecha is used to mean "right" (as in the opposite of left).
The word derecha is used to indicate the direction right. When giving directions to turn right, it is typically used in the phrase a la derecha.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use derecha for the direction (right), but use derecho to mean a straight line (straight). While derecha is the feminine noun or adjective for the direction right, the masculine form derecho is used to mean straight ahead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While derecha is the feminine form used for the direction right, the masculine form derecho is used to express the concept of going straight ahead.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾetʃa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say a la derecha when they mean "straight ahead". Instead, you should use derecho or todo recto.
Did you know?
- While derecha means 'right', the word for 'correct' or 'right' in terms of truth is correcto or bien. You cannot use derecha to say a mathematical answer is right.
- The word derecho is a homonym that also means 'law' or 'a legal right'. In a courtroom, the same word used for 'straight' is used to describe the legal system.
- While derecha describes the side, the word derecho is the root of derechos humanos, meaning 'human rights'.
Examples in context
- Gira a la derecha.Turn to the right.The sentence is useful for telling someone to turn to the right using derecha.Tatoeba #683442 by Shishir, translation #27067 by CK
- Giré a la derecha.I turned right.The sentence is useful for stating that you turned right using derecha.Tatoeba #989307 by Shishir, translation #258392 by CK
- Quédate a la derecha.Keep to the right.The sentence is useful for instructing someone to keep to the right using derecha.Tatoeba #1491672 by Shishir, translation #456283 by lukaszpp
- Gire a la derecha en la próxima esquina.Turn right at the next corner.
- 149 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking for a specific store in a mall.
- JavierPerdona, ¿está la tienda aquí?Excuse me, is the store here?
- ElenaNo, está en la puerta derecha.No, it is at the right door.
- JavierGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry derecha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
