Go straight ahead
in SpanishSigue todo recto
/SEE-geh TOH-doh REHK-toh/
This is the most common and universally understood way to tell someone to go straight ahead. It's a clear, simple command you can use when talking to friends, peers, or in most general situations.
Giving clear directions like 'Sigue todo recto' is a key skill for navigating any Spanish-speaking city.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Siga todo recto
/SEE-gah TOH-doh REHK-toh/
This is the formal version of the primary phrase, using the 'usted' command. It's the safest and most polite option when addressing a stranger, an older person, or someone in a position of authority.
Sigue derecho
/SEE-geh deh-REH-choh/
Extremely common, especially in Latin America. 'Derecho' means 'straight' in this context. It's interchangeable with 'todo recto' but might be heard more often depending on the country.
Siga derecho
/SEE-gah deh-REH-choh/
The polite, formal 'usted' version of 'Sigue derecho'. This is a go-to phrase for being respectful when giving directions in Latin America.
Ve todo recto
/beh TOH-doh REHK-toh/
This version uses the verb 'ir' (to go) instead of 'seguir' (to follow/continue). It's very common in Spain for informal situations.
Vaya todo recto
/BAH-yah TOH-doh REHK-toh/
The formal 'usted' command of the verb 'ir'. It's a polite alternative to 'Siga todo recto' and is understood everywhere.
Tira todo recto
/TEE-rah TOH-doh REHK-toh/
A very colloquial phrase used in Spain. 'Tirar' literally means 'to throw,' so think of it like 'shoot straight ahead.' It's very informal.
Seguí derecho
/seh-GEE deh-REH-choh/
This is the command form for 'vos', which is used instead of 'tú' in countries like Argentina and Uruguay. The stress is on the last syllable of the verb.
Sigue pa'lante
/SEE-geh pah-LAHN-teh/
A very casual, slangy phrase short for 'sigue para adelante' (continue forward). It's more of a general encouragement to 'keep going' but can be used for directions.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common ways to say 'go straight ahead' to help you choose the right one.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigue todo recto | Neutral/Informal | General use with peers or in casual settings; universally understood. | Addressing an elderly person or in a very formal business context. |
| Siga derecho | Formal | Your safest bet with any stranger, police officer, or older person. | Chatting with close friends, where it might sound a bit stiff. |
| Ve todo recto | Informal | Casual conversations with friends, especially in Spain. | Any formal situation or when speaking to someone you should address as 'usted'. |
| Tira todo recto | Casual | Very informal, friendly situations with people you know well in Spain. | Anywhere outside of Spain, or with anyone you don't know well. It's slang. |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy. The 'r' in 'recto' or 'derecho' might require a slight tap of the tongue, but it's not as difficult as the rolled 'rr'.
The main challenge is knowing which command form to use (tú, usted, vos). For beginners, this concept can be tricky.
The primary nuance is choosing the correct formality level (formal vs. informal), which is important for showing respect.
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing 'derecho' (straight) from 'derecha' (right).
- Remembering to use the polite/formal command ('siga', 'vaya') with strangers.
💡Examples in Action
Perdone, ¿para llegar a la catedral? — Siga todo recto por esta calle y la verá a la derecha.
Excuse me, how do I get to the cathedral? — Go straight ahead on this street and you'll see it on your right.
Para la estación, ve todo recto hasta el semáforo y luego gira a la izquierda.
For the station, go straight ahead until the traffic light and then turn left.
El baño está al fondo del pasillo, solo sigue derecho y es la última puerta.
The bathroom is at the end of the hall, just go straight ahead and it's the last door.
Señor taxista, vaya derecho por favor, hasta que yo le diga.
Mr. taxi driver, please go straight ahead, until I tell you.
🌍Cultural Context
The 'Chin Point'
Don't be surprised if someone gives you directions without saying a word! In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it's common to simply lift the chin and point in the direction you should go. This gesture often accompanies phrases like 'Sigue derecho' and means 'that way' or 'straight ahead'.
Landmarks Over Street Names
While 'go straight' is essential, directions in Spanish often rely on landmarks more than street names. You'll frequently hear 'Siga todo recto hasta la farmacia' (Go straight until the pharmacy) or '...hasta el semáforo' (...until the traffic light). Pay attention to the landmarks they mention!
Formality Matters
Choosing between 'sigue' (informal) and 'siga' (formal) is important. Using the formal 'siga' or 'vaya' with strangers, especially those older than you, shows respect. While most people will forgive a learner's mistake, using the correct form makes a great impression.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Derecho' and 'Derecha'
Mistake: "Saying 'Sigue a la derecha' when you mean 'go straight ahead'."
Correction: Sigue derecho.
Using the Wrong Command Form
Mistake: "Telling an elderly woman, 'Oye, sigue todo recto'."
Correction: Perdone, señora, siga todo recto.
Literal Translation
Mistake: "Saying 'Ir recto' (To go straight)."
Correction: Sigue recto / Vaya recto.
💡Pro Tips
Combine with Hand Gestures
When giving or receiving directions, using your hands helps avoid confusion. A flat hand moving forward is a universal sign for 'go straight.' This can save you if you forget the exact words or mishear 'derecho' for 'derecha'.
Listen for the Follow-Up
'Go straight' is usually just the first step. Listen for connecting words like 'hasta' (until), 'luego' (then), or 'después' (after) to understand the full set of directions. For example, 'Sigue derecho HASTA el banco, y LUEGO gira a la izquierda'.
Pick One and Master It
Seeing all the variations can be overwhelming. As a beginner, just focus on mastering two: 'Sigue derecho' (for friends) and 'Siga derecho' (for strangers). These will work perfectly in almost any situation, especially in Latin America.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Spaniards frequently use the verb 'ir' ('ve'/'vaya') and the colloquial 'tirar' ('tira'). The phrase 'todo recto' is generally more common here than 'derecho'.
Mexico
'Derecho' is overwhelmingly the preferred term over 'recto'. You might hear 'sígale', which is a common way to soften a command and make it sound friendlier.
Argentina & Uruguay
The use of 'vos' is the defining feature, leading to the 'seguí' command form. 'Dale para adelante' is a common, encouraging way to say 'just keep going straight'.
Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Rep.)
The language is fast and uses a lot of contractions like 'pa'lante' for 'para adelante'. The overall feel is very fluid and casual.
💬What Comes Next?
After you give them directions
Ah, vale. ¡Muchas gracias!
Oh, okay. Thank you very much!
De nada. / No hay de qué.
You're welcome. / Don't mention it.
They need more clarification
¿Está muy lejos de aquí?
Is it very far from here?
No, está a unos cinco minutos andando.
No, it's about a five-minute walk.
You've just received directions
¿Entendido?
Understood?
Sí, entendido. Sigo todo recto. ¡Gracias!
Yes, understood. I go straight ahead. Thanks!
🧠Memory Tricks
This visual connection between 'recto' and 'rectangle' helps you remember that it means straight.
The 'O' sound in 'derecho' can remind you of the 'O' in 'go'. The 'A' in 'derecha' can remind you of turning 'away' to the right. This helps prevent the common mix-up.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference from English is the required choice between formal ('usted') and informal ('tú'/'vos') commands. English uses 'go' for everyone, but in Spanish, you must use 'siga' for a stranger and 'sigue' for a friend. Additionally, the potential confusion between 'derecho' (straight) and 'derecha' (right) is a unique challenge for English speakers that doesn't exist with 'straight' and 'right'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
Turn right
This is the most common direction given after 'go straight ahead'.
Turn left
Completes the basic set of turning directions.
How do I get to...?
This is the question you need to ask to get these directions in the first place.
It's on the corner
A common phrase used to specify a location at the end of a set of directions.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Go straight ahead
Question 1 of 3
A police officer asks if you need help. You want to ask how to get to the plaza. She tells you to 'go straight ahead'. Which phrase is she most likely to use?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'recto' and 'derecho'?
In the context of directions, they mean the same thing: 'straight ahead'. The choice is mostly regional. 'Todo recto' is very common in Spain, while 'derecho' is more common in Latin America. You can use either and will be understood everywhere.
Is it a big deal if I use the informal 'sigue' with a stranger?
It's not a terrible offense, as people will usually understand you're a learner. However, it can come across as overly familiar or slightly rude, especially with an older person. It's always safer and more respectful to default to the formal 'siga' with people you don't know.
How do I remember the difference between 'derecho' (straight) and 'derecha' (right)?
Try this trick: 'derechO makes you gO straight.' The 'O' sound links them. For 'derecha' (right), think that most people are right-handed, and a right-handed person is 'diestra' in Spanish, which sounds similar to 'derecha'.
Which version should I learn first as a beginner?
A great pair to start with is 'Sigue derecho' (informal) and 'Siga derecho' (formal). These are extremely common, especially in Latin America, and will cover almost every situation you'll encounter while traveling.
Can I just say 'recto' or 'derecho' by itself?
Yes, you can! If someone asks '¿Por dónde?' (Which way?), you can simply point and say 'Todo recto' or 'Derecho' as a short, quick answer. It's very natural in conversation.
Why do some people say 've' or 'vaya' instead of 'sigue' or 'siga'?
It's just a difference in verb choice, like saying 'Go straight' versus 'Continue straight' in English. 'Sigue/siga' comes from 'seguir' (to continue/follow), while 've/vaya' comes from 'ir' (to go). Both are correct, and the preference is often regional.
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