derecho
/deh-REH-choh/
right
Derecho (or derecha) means 'right' when referring to direction or position, like the right hand.
📝 In Action
Levanta la mano derecha, por favor.
A1Raise your right hand, please.
El baño está en el lado derecho del pasillo.
A1The bathroom is on the right side of the hallway.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
Like most adjectives, 'derecho' changes to match the thing it describes. Use 'derecho' for masculine things (el lado derecho) and 'derecha' for feminine things (la mano derecha).
⭐ Usage Tips
Giving Directions
To tell someone 'to the right,' you say 'a la derecha.' It always uses the feminine form 'derecha' in this phrase.
As an adjective, derecho means 'straight' or 'not curved,' often used to describe lines or posture.
📝 In Action
Traza una línea derecha con la regla.
A2Draw a straight line with the ruler.
Siéntate derecho en la silla para no lastimarte la espalda.
B1Sit up straight in the chair so you don't hurt your back.
Mi hermano tiene el pelo muy derecho.
A2My brother has very straight hair.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Derecho' vs. 'Recto'
Mistake: "Using 'derecho' and 'recto' as if they are perfectly interchangeable."
Correction: 'Recto' is more for geometry and precise lines. 'Derecho' is more common for general straightness, like hair or posture. For directions, you almost always use 'derecho'.
Used as an adverb, derecho means 'straight ahead' or 'straight on' when giving directions.
📝 In Action
Siga todo derecho por esta calle.
A1Go straight ahead on this street.
No gires, ve derecho hasta el semáforo.
A2Don't turn, go straight on until the traffic light.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Stays the Same
When used like this to mean 'straight ahead,' 'derecho' is an adverb. This means it never changes. You always say 'derecho,' never 'derecha' or 'derechos'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Combine with 'Todo'
It's very common to add 'todo' before 'derecho' to emphasize continuing straight without turning. For example, 'Sigue todo derecho'.
As a noun, un derecho refers to a fundamental 'right' or 'entitlement,' such as the right to education.
📝 In Action
Todos los niños tienen derecho a la educación.
A2All children have the right to an education.
Tienes derecho a permanecer en silencio.
B1You have the right to remain silent.
No tienes derecho a hablarme así.
B1You don't have the right to talk to me like that.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'tener derecho a'
The most common way to use this word is in the phrase 'tener derecho a' + [something], which means 'to have the right to' + [something].
Derecho (often capitalized) can refer to 'Law' as a field of study or the entire legal system.
📝 In Action
Mi hermana estudia Derecho en la universidad.
B1My sister studies Law at the university.
El derecho romano es la base de muchos sistemas legales.
B2Roman law is the basis for many legal systems.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Derecho' vs. 'Ley'
Mistake: "Using 'ley' to talk about the subject of Law."
Correction: Use 'Derecho' (often capitalized) for the field of study or the entire legal system ('I study Law'). Use 'ley' for a specific rule or piece of legislation ('There's a new law about taxes').
In formal contexts, the plural form derechos often means 'fees' or 'duties' (taxes).
📝 In Action
Hay que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar el coche.
B2You have to pay the customs duties to import the car.
La factura incluye los derechos de matrícula de la universidad.
C1The bill includes the university's registration fees.
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Plural
When talking about fees or duties, 'derecho' is almost always used in its plural form, 'derechos'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: derecho
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'derecho' to mean 'a right' or 'an entitlement'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'derecho' and 'correcto'?
Both can mean 'right,' but in different ways. 'Derecho' is about direction (the right hand) or straightness (a straight line). 'Correcto' is about accuracy (the right answer). If you mean 'correct,' use 'correcto.' If you mean 'straight' or 'the opposite of left,' use 'derecho'.
How do I say 'to the right'?
You always say 'a la derecha.' Even though the main word is 'derecho' (masculine), this specific phrase for giving directions always uses the feminine form 'derecha'.