derecha
/deˈɾet͡ʃa/masculine
The English phrase "right wing" is translated into Spanish as derecha in a political context.
In a political sense, derecha refers to the right wing. When you are referring to the political right wing as a noun, the definite article la is almost always used, resulting in la derecha. If you need to use "right-wing" as an adjective, such as in "right-wing policies", use the phrase de derecha.
Meaning: political (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word derecha literally means "right" (referring to the direction or side).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the specific phrase la derecha política is used to refer to the political right. In Mexico, la derecha conservadora is used to describe the conservative right wing.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾetʃa/
Did you know?
- If you are lost and ask for the 'right' side, you use la derecha, but if you are looking for a 'right' (a legal entitlement), you must use the masculine un derecho.
- The word derecha shares a common Latin ancestor with the English word 'direct'. Both stem from the Latin 'directus', meaning 'straight' or 'not bent'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, derecha can be used to describe someone who is extremely traditional or conservative in their personal habits, even if the conversation is not about politics.
Examples in context
- Sólo en la segunda vuelta el Partido Comunista dijo a la clase obrera: "No voten a la derecha".Only in the second round the Communist Party told the working class: "Do not vote for the right wing."This sentence shows how to use derecha when instructing not to vote for the right wing.Tatoeba #5078813 by Leono, translation #5078814 by Leono
- Las políticas de derecha tienen que ver con hacer los pobres creer que tienen más en común con los ricos que con los demás pobres.Right-wing politics is largely concerned with making the poor believe they have more in common with the rich than with other poor people.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase de derecha to describe right-wing politics.Tatoeba #10462434 by DJ_Saidez, translation #8736658 by shekitten
- Las políticas de la derecha son conocidas por su énfasis en la libre empresaThe policies of the right wing are known for their emphasis on free enterprise
- El ala derecha del partido está a favor de políticas económicas liberalesThe right-wing faction of the party is in favor of liberal economic policies
- La ultraderecha defiende políticas restrictivas y tiene una postura nacionalistaThe far right defends restrictive policies and has a nationalist stance
- La derecha radical se opone vehementemente a cualquier cambio estructural en el sistemaThe radical right vehemently opposes any structural changes in the system
- En mi opinión, la derecha política tiene enfoques económicos tradicionalesIn my opinion, the political right has traditional economic approaches
- El candidato de la derecha ganó las elecciones.The right wing candidate won the elections.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing their political views.
- AlejandroNo estoy de acuerdo con la derecha.I do not agree with the right wing.
- ElenaYo creo que tienen mejores ideas económicas.I think they have better economic ideas.
- AlejandroDepende de qué partido de la derecha hables.It depends on which right-wing party you are talking about.
- ElenaTienes razón, Alejandro, hay muchas diferencias.You are right, Alejandro, there are many differences.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right wing” translations and entries derecha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derecha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
