mantente a la derecha
/mantente a la deɾet͡ʃa/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "stay right" is mantente a la derecha.
An instruction to remain on the right side of a path or road.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb mantente (stay/keep yourself) and the prepositional phrase a la derecha (to the right).
Which one should you use?
You can use Quédate a la derecha to mean "stay to the right" in informal contexts. For a more formal tone, you might use Manténgase a la derecha (stay to the right) or Permanezca a la derecha (remain to the right).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may encounter the variation manténgase a su derecha.
How does it change in a sentence?
To instruct a group of people to stay right, use the plural form manténganse a la derecha. When giving instructions in a formal setting, use the formal manténgase rather than the informal mantente.
How do you pronounce it?
/mantente a la deɾetʃa/
Did you know?
- The word derecho can mean 'law' or 'legal right'. This creates a linguistic link between the 'right' side of the road and the 'rights' of a citizen, both stemming from the idea of something being 'straight' or 'just'.
- In a sudden emergency or high-stress situation, a Spanish speaker will often drop the verb entirely and simply shout ¡A la derecha! to get someone to move.
- The word derecha shares a common ancestor with the English word 'direct', as both originate from the Latin directus, meaning 'straight'.
Examples in context
- Cuando llegue a la intersección, manténgase a la derecha. Luego de 200 metros, encontrará el museo.When you reach the intersection, stay right. After 200 meters, you will find the museum.
- Durante el recorrido, permanezca a la derecha para ver los monumentos más importantes.During the tour, stay right to see the most important monuments.
- Al caminar por el parque, quédate a la derecha para evitar las bicicletas.While walking through the park, stay right to avoid bicycles.
- Mantente a la derecha para no obstruir el paso.Stay right so as not to block the way.
- Mantente a la derecha para no chocar.Stay right so you don't crash.
- Si quieres seguir el camino, mantente a la derecha.If you want to follow the path, stay right.
- Mantente a la derecha mientras caminas por la acera.Stay right while you walk along the sidewalk.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are hiking on a narrow mountain trail.
- JavierLucía, mantente a la derecha.Lucía, stay right.
- Lucía¿Por qué?Why?
- JavierHay muchas piedras sueltas en el lado izquierdo.There are many loose stones on the left side.
- LucíaGracias por avisarme, Javier.Thanks for letting me know, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, derecha, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
