gira a destra
To say "turn right" in Italian, use gira a destra.
The phrase is used to give directions to someone, instructing them to change their course toward the right side.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb gira (turn, go or move) and the prepositional phrase a destra (to the right).
Which one should you use?
You may also use Fai una svolta a destra in informal settings. If you are addressing a group of people, use girate a destra.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving directions to a stranger or someone you wish to address formally, use the polite form giri a destra. If you are directing more than one person, use girate a destra.
Did you know?
- In Italian culture, the 'right' side is historically linked to the concept of justice and correctness, reflecting the Latin root where dexter implied 'favorable' or 'correct'.
- The word destra shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dexterous', which refers to skill or even 'right-handedness'.
- While 'gira' can mean 'turn', it is also the imperative for 'to spin' or 'to revolve', like a dancer or a spinning top.
Examples in context
- Gira a destra lì.Turn right there.This sentence shows how to specify a location for the turn using gira a destra.Tatoeba #11444038 by Guybrush88, translation #50853 by CM
- Gira a destra al semaforo.Turn right at the light.This sentence shows how to use gira a destra when giving directions at a traffic light.Tatoeba #8644955 by Guybrush88, translation #8634400 by Eccles17
- Gira a destra all'incrocio.Turn right at the crossroad.This sentence shows how to use gira a destra when directing someone at a crossroad.Tatoeba #388490 by Pharamp, translation #6047 by shortiiboy
- La prossima volta giri a destra all'incrocio.Next time, turn right at the intersection.
- Dai, giriamo a destra e troveremo il ristorante.Come on, let's turn right and we'll find the restaurant.
- Fai una svolta a destra dopo la piazza.Take a right turn after the square.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are walking in a new city.
- LorenzoGira a destra dopo la banca.Turn right after the bank.
- ChiaraVa bene, Lorenzo.Okay, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoPoi continua dritto.Then go straight.
- ChiaraGrazie per l'aiuto!Thanks for the help!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, destra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
