turn right
in SpanishGira a la derecha
/HEE-rah ah lah deh-REH-chah/
This is the most common and direct way to tell someone to turn right. It's a command form, perfect for giving directions to a friend, a taxi driver, or a stranger on the street.
Giving directions is a common scenario where you'll use phrases like 'Gira a la derecha'. Notice how pointing reinforces the message!
💬Other Ways to Say It
Gire a la derecha
/HEE-reh ah lah deh-REH-chah/
This is the formal version of 'Gira a la derecha'. You use it when speaking to someone you don't know, an older person, or in a professional context (the 'usted' form).
Dobla a la derecha
/DOH-blah ah lah deh-REH-chah/
Another very common way to say 'turn right', often used interchangeably with 'gira'. In some regions, like the Caribbean and parts of Mexico, it might even be more common.
Toma la derecha
/TOH-mah lah deh-REH-chah/
Literally 'take the right'. This is a very natural-sounding alternative, just like in English. It often implies taking a specific street or exit.
Da vuelta a la derecha
/dah BWEL-tah ah lah deh-REH-chah/
This phrase means 'give a turn to the right' and is very common in Mexico and surrounding areas. It's a friendly and common way to give directions.
Doblá a la derecha
/doh-BLAH ah lah deh-REH-chah/
This is the 'voseo' version, used in countries like Argentina and Uruguay. The stress shifts to the last syllable. It's the standard informal command in these regions.
Coge la derecha
/KOH-heh lah deh-REH-chah/
Very common in Spain, it's another way to say 'take the right'. BE CAREFUL: In many parts of Latin America, the verb 'coger' is a vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
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📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common ways to say 'turn right' to help you choose the best one.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gira a la derecha | Informal | General, all-purpose informal command. Universally understood. | |
| Gire a la derecha | Formal | Showing respect to strangers, elders, or in professional settings. | |
| Dobla a la derecha | Informal | Casual conversation, especially common in Latin America. | |
| Toma la derecha | Informal | When you mean 'take the right', like choosing a path or an exit. | |
| Doblá a la derecha | Informal (Voseo) | Speaking with Argentinians, Uruguayans, and others in 'voseo' regions. |
📈Difficulty Level
The 'g' in 'gira' is a soft 'h' sound, and the 'r' in 'derecha' is a tap, both easy to learn. The main challenge is the rolled 'rr' sound, which isn't in this specific phrase but is in the root verb 'girar'.
Understanding command forms (imperative mood) and the difference between informal (tú/vos) and formal (usted) can be tricky for new learners.
The main nuance is choosing the correct formality level. However, in the context of directions, people are very forgiving of mistakes.
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing 'derecha' (right) from 'derecho' (straight).
- Remembering to use the command form ('gira') instead of the indicative ('giras').
💡Examples in Action
Para llegar al museo, sigue dos cuadras y luego gira a la derecha en el semáforo.
To get to the museum, continue for two blocks and then turn right at the traffic light.
¡Cuidado! Dobla a la derecha aquí, ¡rápido!
Watch out! Turn right here, quick!
Disculpe, señor, para la estación, ¿debo tomar la derecha en esta glorieta?
Excuse me, sir, for the station, should I take a right at this roundabout?
El GPS dice: 'En doscientos metros, gire a la derecha'.
The GPS says: 'In two hundred meters, turn right'.
🌍Cultural Context
Gestures are Key
When giving or receiving directions in Spanish-speaking cultures, words are only half the story. People almost always use hand gestures, a pointed finger, or even a chin/lip point to indicate the direction. Pay attention to body language as much as the words!
Formality Matters (Sometimes)
Using the formal 'Gire' instead of the informal 'Gira' is a sign of respect, especially with older people or authorities. While a tourist will likely be forgiven for mixing them up, using the formal command shows you're making an effort to be polite.
Directions as a Conversation Starter
Asking for directions is a very common and accepted way to start a conversation. People are generally very willing to help, and it might even lead to a friendly chat about where you're from. Don't be shy to ask for help.
The 'Coger' Warning
The verb 'coger' (to take/grab) is perfectly normal in Spain for directions ('coge la derecha'). However, in much of Latin America (especially Mexico and Argentina), it's a very vulgar slang word. Stick to 'tomar', 'girar', or 'doblar' in Latin America to be safe.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Derecha' and 'Derecho'
Mistake: "Saying 'Sigue a la derecha' when you mean 'Go straight'."
Correction: To go straight: 'Sigue derecho' or 'Sigue recto'. To turn right: 'Gira a la derecha'.
Using the Wrong Command Form
Mistake: "Telling a stranger 'Giras a la derecha.'"
Correction: Use the command form: 'Gira a la derecha' (informal) or 'Gire a la derecha' (formal).
Forgetting 'a la'
Mistake: "Saying 'Gira derecha'."
Correction: 'Gira a la derecha'.
💡Pro Tips
Remember 'Derecho' vs 'Derecha'
A simple trick: 'derechO' has an 'O' like in 'gO straight'. 'derechA' has an 'A' like in 'A turn'. It's a silly but effective way to keep them separate in your mind.
Combine with Landmarks
To sound more like a native, combine your direction with a landmark. For example, 'Gira a la derecha después del banco' (Turn right after the bank) or 'Dobla a la derecha en el próximo semáforo' (Turn right at the next traffic light).
Listen for the Verb
When asking for directions, listen closely for the first word. Whether you hear 'gire', 'doble', or 'tome', they all signal that a turn is coming up. The key information ('derecha' or 'izquierda') will follow.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The use of 'coger' is extremely common and perfectly fine here, but should be avoided elsewhere. You will also hear the 'vosotros' command 'Girad a la derecha' when addressing a group of friends.
Mexico
'Dar vuelta a la derecha' is very characteristic of Mexican Spanish for giving directions. It's friendly and used widely in both cities and rural areas.
Argentina & Uruguay
The 'voseo' is king. The command form changes the stress to the final syllable ('doblÁ', 'tomÁ'). This is the standard informal way to speak.
Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Rep.)
'Dobla' tends to be more common than 'gira' in everyday speech. The verb 'virar' (to veer) is also used, reflecting a nautical influence.
💬What Comes Next?
After you give directions
¡Muchas gracias!
Thank you very much!
De nada. / Con gusto.
You're welcome. / With pleasure.
They need clarification
¿Aquí en la esquina?
Here at the corner?
Sí, exacto. En la esquina, a la derecha.
Yes, exactly. At the corner, to the right.
After you turn, you want to confirm
Ok, ya giré. ¿Y ahora?
Ok, I've turned. And now?
Ahora sigue todo derecho.
Now continue straight ahead.
🧠Memory Tricks
This visual trick connects the shape of the letter 'D' to the two different direction words that start with it, helping you avoid the common 'derecho'/'derecha' mix-up.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the existence of formal ('gire') and informal ('gira') commands, a distinction English lacks. Also, the common confusion between 'derecha' (right) and 'derecho' (straight) is a unique challenge for English speakers, as 'right' and 'straight' are completely different words.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: While in English 'go right' and 'turn right' are similar, in Spanish you can't say 'Ve derecha'. It doesn't make sense.
Use instead: You must use a verb like 'girar' or 'doblar'. The correct phrase is 'Gira a la derecha' (Turn to the right).
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
Turn left
It's the natural opposite and essential for giving complete directions.
Go straight
This is the third fundamental command for directions, along with left and right.
Where is the bathroom?
After learning how to follow directions, you'll need to know how to ask for them for essential places.
At the corner
This allows you to make your directions more specific, e.g., 'Turn right at the corner'.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: turn right
Question 1 of 3
A taxi driver asks you for the next turn. How do you tell him to 'go straight'?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between 'girar' and 'doblar' for 'turn'?
Functionally, there is almost no difference and they are used interchangeably. Some people feel 'girar' is more like rotating or pivoting, while 'doblar' (from 'to fold') is more like turning a corner on a street. However, in practice, both are perfectly fine and the choice often comes down to regional or personal preference.
Why can't I just say 'derecha'?
Just saying 'derecha' would be like shouting 'Right!' in English. It's not a complete instruction. You need a verb to tell the person what action to take, like 'gira' (turn) or 'toma' (take), followed by 'a la derecha' (to the right).
How do I remember the difference between 'derecha' and 'derecho'?
This is tough! A good trick is to remember 'gO straight' uses the 'O' in 'derechO'. For 'turn right,' you need the prepositional phrase 'a la derechA'. Repetition and practice are key to making it automatic.
Is it rude to just say 'Gira a la derecha' without 'por favor'?
No, it's not considered rude. Command forms are the standard way of giving directions and are not inherently impolite. Of course, adding 'por favor' (please) at the end is always a nice touch, but it's not strictly necessary in this context.
I heard I should never use the verb 'coger' in Latin America. Is that true for directions too?
Yes, it is absolutely true. While 'coge la derecha' is very common in Spain, in most of Latin America 'coger' is a vulgar slang term. It's much safer to always use 'tomar', 'girar', or 'doblar' when you are not in Spain.
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