recto
/REK-toh/
straight
"Recto" can mean 'straight', like this path.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'recto' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. If the noun is feminine (like 'línea'), use 'recta'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong form for feminine nouns
Mistake: "La línea es recto."
Correction: La línea es recta. (The line is straight.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Posture Tip
You often hear '¡Siéntate recto!' or '¡Ponte recto!' when telling someone to correct their posture and stand or sit up straight.
When describing character, "recto" means 'upright' or morally correct.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Permanent Quality
When describing permanent moral qualities, 'recto' is always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it defines the person's nature.
In geometry, "recto" means 'right', as in a right angle.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrase
In geometry, 'ángulo recto' is a fixed term meaning 90 degrees.
"Recto" is also the anatomical term for the 'rectum'.
📝 In Action
El cirujano examinó el recto del paciente.
C1The surgeon examined the patient's rectum.
💡 Grammar Points
Definite Article
As a singular anatomical part, 'recto' almost always uses the masculine definite article 'el'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: recto
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'recta' to mean 'straight'?
📚 More Resources
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'.