derecha
/deˈɾet͡ʃa/
In Spanish, 'right' as a direction is derecha.
derecha is used to describe the direction that is the opposite of left.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use derecha when referring to the direction. Do not confuse it with derecho, which refers to a legal right or law.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, de acuerdo is often used to mean 'right' or 'agreed'. In the Caribbean, claro is commonly used to convey agreement or understanding. In Spain, the slang term vale is particularly used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving directions to turn or move toward the right, the phrase a la derecha is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈɾetʃa/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of derecha originally meant 'straight' rather than 'right side'. This reflects an ancient belief that the right hand was the 'straight' or correct hand to use.
- While derecha is a direction, the phrase mano derecha means 'right hand' and is often used metaphorically to describe a person's most trusted assistant.
- The word derecho can mean 'straight ahead' in addition to 'right' or 'law'. For example, saying sigue derecho tells someone to continue in a straight line.
Examples in context
- Gira a la derecha.Turn to the right.This sentence is useful for the command to turn using derecha.Tatoeba #683442 by Shishir, translation #27067 by CK
- Giré a la derecha.I turned right.This sentence is useful for expressing that you turned using derecha.Tatoeba #989307 by Shishir, translation #258392 by CK
- Quédate a la derecha.Keep to the right.This sentence is useful for instructing someone to keep to the right using derecha.Tatoeba #1491672 by Shishir, translation #456283 by lukaszpp
- La respuesta correcta es…The correct answer is…
- La decisión del tribunal fue justa.The court's decision was fair.
- Quedamos a las 8. ¿Vale?Let's meet at 8. Alright?
- Está bien, de acuerdo.Alright, agreed.
- ¡Vamos al partido hoy! ¡Claro!Let's go to the game today! Absolutely!
- 149 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are walking in a park.
- Lucía¿La salida está a la derecha?Is the exit on the right?
- AlejandroSí, la salida es a la derecha.Yes, the exit is to the right.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
