Inklingo
← Dictionary

derecho

deh-REH-chohdeˈɾetʃo

right

Also: straight
A bright red glove on a person's right hand.

📝 In Action

Mi zapato derecho está roto.

A1

My right shoe is broken.

Dibuja una línea derecha en el papel.

A2

Draw a straight line on the paper.

Ponte derecho para la foto.

B1

Stand up straight for the photo.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • lado derecho – right side
  • ojo derecho – right eye

right

Also: law
NounmB1
A shiny gold badge on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

Todos tenemos derecho a la educación.

B1

We all have a right to education.

Mi hermana estudia Derecho en la universidad.

B2

My sister is studying Law at the university.

No tienes derecho a hablarme así.

B1

You don't have the right to speak to me like that.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • derechos humanos – human rights
  • tener derecho a – to have the right to

Idioms & Expressions

  • con pleno derecho – Having every legal or moral reason to do something

straight ahead

AdverbA2informal
A long, straight path leading through a green field.

📝 In Action

Sigue derecho por dos cuadras.

A2

Go straight for two blocks.

Camina todo derecho hasta el banco.

A2

Walk straight ahead until the bank.

El taxi fue derecho al aeropuerto.

B1

The taxi went straight to the airport.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • atrás (backwards)

Common Collocations

  • seguir derecho – to keep going straight
  • todo derecho – straight ahead

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: derecho

Question 1 of 3

If you are giving directions and want someone to go straight, what do you say?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
derecha(right hand / the right side) — Noun
derechista(right-wing) — Adjective
enderezar(to straighten) — Verb
derechazo(a right-handed strike) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'directus', which means 'straight' or 'direct'. This is why the word covers both 'straight' and 'legal right' (the direct path of justice).

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: directFrench: droitItalian: diritto

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'derecho' ever mean 'you are right' about an opinion?

No! If you want to say someone is correct in their thinking, use the phrase 'tener razón' (to have reason). 'Derecho' only refers to legal rights or physical directions.

What is the difference between 'derecho' and 'derecha'?

'Derecho' (ending in O) usually means 'straight' or 'a legal right.' 'Derecha' (ending in A) usually refers to 'the right side' or the direction 'right' (after a preposition like 'a la').

Why does 'derecho' mean both Law and Straight?

Just like in English we say someone is an 'upright' citizen or follow the 'straight and narrow' path of the law, Spanish uses the same logic. The legal system is seen as a 'straight' or 'direct' path.