recto
“recto” means “straight” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
straight
Also: direct, erect
📝 In Action
Para llegar a mi casa, sigue este camino recto.
A1To get to my house, follow this straight path.
Tienes que sentarte recto para que no te duela la espalda.
A2You have to sit up straight so your back doesn't hurt.
La carretera es totalmente recta por muchos kilómetros.
A2The highway is completely straight for many kilometers.
upright
Also: honest, just
📝 In Action
Es un hombre recto y siempre cumple su palabra.
B1He is an upright man and always keeps his word.
Buscamos un líder con un carácter recto y principios firmes.
B2We are looking for a leader with an honest character and firm principles.
right
Also: perpendicular
📝 In Action
La escuadra ayuda a dibujar un ángulo recto perfecto.
B1The square helps to draw a perfect right angle.
Cada esquina de la habitación forma un ángulo recto.
B1Every corner of the room forms a right angle.
rectum
📝 In Action
El cirujano examinó el recto del paciente.
C1The surgeon examined the patient's rectum.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recto
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'recta' to mean 'straight'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'rectus', which meant 'straight', 'right', or 'correct'. This explains why the Spanish word covers both physical straightness and moral correctness.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'recto' and 'derecho'?
Both can mean 'straight'. 'Derecho' is more common for giving directions (e.g., 'go straight ahead'), and also means 'right' (the direction). 'Recto' is often used specifically for physical alignment (like a straight line or posture) and moral character (upright).
How do I know whether to use 'recto' or 'recta'?
You must check the gender of the noun you are describing. If the noun is masculine (like 'el camino'), use 'recto'. If the noun is feminine (like 'la línea'), use 'recta'.