derecho
/deˈɾet͡ʃo/
In Spanish, the English word 'right' can be translated as derecho.
As an adjective or noun, derecho can mean a legal or moral entitlement, such as a privilege or prerogative. It is also used to describe a direction, though it is often confused with the adverb meaning 'straight ahead'.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word derecho is the masculine form, but when you are describing a direction or a specific side, you should use the feminine form derecha, such as in la mano derecha (the right hand). Additionally, while derecho as a noun refers to a legal right, the noun la derecha refers specifically to 'the right side' or 'the right-hand side'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In colloquial speech, you may hear the abbreviation Pa' la derecha to express 'right' (a contraction of para la derecha).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun, la derecha refers to 'the right side' or 'the right-hand side'.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the use of derecho meaning 'right' with its function as an adverb meaning 'straight ahead'.
Did you know?
- The term derecho is used to describe the study of law itself, so a student of law is a 'student of derecho'.
- In some contexts, derechos can refer to taxes or official fees, such as derechos de aduana for customs duties.
- The word derecho shares an ancestral link with the English word 'direct', as both trace back to the Latin idea of being 'straight' or 'upright'.
Examples in context
- Lucha por tu derecho.Fight for your right.This sentence demonstrates the use of derecho to mean a legal right.Tatoeba #1764508 by Shishir, translation #912290 by kazuya00
- La muerte es un derecho.Death is a right.This sentence shows how derecho is used to mean a legal right.Tatoeba #4752732 by DarkHollow, translation #2570630 by sabretou
- No tiene derecho de voto.He doesn't have the right to vote.This sentence illustrates how derecho functions to mean a legal right.Tatoeba #7786924 by arh, translation #9678999 by DJ_Saidez
- Gire a la derecha en la próxima esquina.Turn right at the next corner.
- La casa está al lado derecho de la farmacia.The house is on the right side of the pharmacy.
- Después de la tienda, gira a mano derecha.After the store, turn right.
- La playa está del lado derecho del hotel.The beach is on the right side of the hotel.
- Camina unos metros y gira pa' la derecha en la esquina.Walk a few meters and turn right at the corner.
- Gire a la derecha después del museoTurn right after the museum
- 194 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a map in the street.
- Sofía¿Sabes dónde está la biblioteca, Alejandro?Do you know where the library is, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, camina todo derecho por esta calle.Yes, walk straight ahead down this street.
- Sofía¿Luego debo girar a la izquierda?Then should I turn left?
- AlejandroNo, tienes que girar a la derecha.No, you have to turn right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
