What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb siga, which is the imperative (command) form of seguir (to follow or continue) and derecho, which means "straight".
Which one should you use?
While siga derecho is a standard way to express this, other variations exist depending on the level of formality and the region. For example, Sigue todo recto is a common informal alternative and Continúe en esa dirección provides a more formal way to say "Continue in that direction".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations include Sigue derecho in Mexico and Sigue recto or Sigue todo recto in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice between the forms depends on the subject being addressed: use the formal siga derecho for usted and the informal sigue derecho for tú.
How do you pronounce it?
/siɡa deɾetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse derecho (straight) with derecha (right). To tell someone to go straight, say siga derecho. To tell them to turn right, you would say siga a la derecha.
Did you know?
- While a learner might use recto based on English 'rectilinear', using recto in a social context in some Spanish-speaking countries can unexpectedly imply that someone is 'straight' in terms of sexual orientation.
- The word derecho can refer to the study of law or a legal entitlement, meaning it can describe both a university degree and a human right.
- The word derecho is a doublet of directo, meaning both words evolved from the same Latin root dīrēctus but developed into distinct terms in Spanish.
Examples in context
- Siga derecho por dos cuadras y la encontrará a su derecha.Go straight for two blocks and you will find it on your right.
- Sigue todo recto hasta el semáforo, luego cruza hacia el parque.Go straight all the way to the traffic light, then cross towards the park.
- Siga derecho dos cuadras y doble a la izquierda.Go straight for two blocks and turn left.
- Siga derecho por esta calle.Go straight down this street.
- No doble aquí, siga derecho.Don't turn here, go straight.
Example conversation
Javier is giving Sofia directions to the museum.
- JavierSiga derecho por esta calle, Sofía.Go straight down this street, Sofia.
- Sofía¿Dónde debo girar entonces?Where should I turn then?
- JavierGire a la izquierda en la esquina.Turn left at the corner.
- SofíaMuchas gracias por su ayuda, Javier.Thank you very much for your help, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
