gira a la derecha
/xiɾa a la deɾet͡ʃa/from spelling rules
To say "turn to the right" in Spanish, use gira a la derecha.
The phrase is used to instruct someone to change their direction by moving toward the right side.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gira (turn/rotate), a (to), la (the) and derecha (right).
Which one should you use?
While derecha refers to the direction "right", be careful not to use derecho, which means "straight".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, gira a la derecha is used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the command polite or formal, such as when addressing a stranger or a superior, use gire a la derecha instead of gira a la derecha. If you are giving directions to a group of people, use giren a la derecha.
How do you pronounce it?
/xiɾa a la deɾetʃa/
Did you know?
- The verb used in dobla a la derecha comes from doblar, which means 'to fold'. It is as if you are folding the path of travel to create a corner.
- While derecha means 'right' as a direction, the word derecho also means 'law' or 'legal right' in Spanish.
- The word derecha shares a common ancestor with the English word 'direct', as both descend from the Latin 'directus', meaning 'straight' or 'guided'.
Examples in context
- Gira a la derecha.Turn to the right.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase gira a la derecha.Tatoeba #683442 by Shishir, translation #27067 by CK
- Por favor, gire a la derecha en la próxima esquinaPlease turn right at the next corner
- Dobla a la derecha en la primera calleTurn right at the first street
- Voltea a la derecha después de la plazaTurn right after the square
- En la esquina, gira a la derecha.At the corner, turn to the right.
- Gira a la derecha después del semáforo.Turn to the right after the traffic light.
Example conversation
Alejandro is driving and Sofía is helping him with directions.
- Alejandro¿Debo seguir recto o girar a la derecha?Should I go straight or turn to the right?
- SofíaAlejandro, gira a la derecha en la siguiente calle.Alejandro, turn to the right on the next street.
- AlejandroMuy bien, lo hago ahora.Very well, I'm doing it now.
- SofíaPerfecto, así llegamos más rápido.Perfect, that way we will arrive faster.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, derecha, gira, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
