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How to Say "direct" in Spanish

English → Spanish

directo

/dee-REK-toh//diˈɾekto/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'directo' when referring to the shortest or most immediate path, route, or connection, like a non-stop flight or a straight line.
A vibrant illustration showing a straight, short path leading directly to a destination, next to a much longer, curvy path, emphasizing the shortest route.

Examples

Necesito un vuelo directo a Madrid, sin escalas.

I need a direct flight to Madrid, without layovers.

Este es el camino más directo para llegar al centro.

This is the most direct road to get to the center.

La conexión fue directa y funcionó muy bien.

The connection was direct and worked very well.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'directo' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'directa' for feminine words (la ruta directa) and add '-s' for plurals (los vuelos directos).

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Usar 'directo' para describir un verbo: 'Viajamos directo a la casa.'”

Correction: Use the adverb form 'directamente': 'Viajamos directamente a la casa.' (Though colloquially, 'directo' is sometimes used as an informal adverb.)

recto

REK-toh/ˈrek.to/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'recto' to describe a path, road, or line that is straight and without curves.
A storybook illustration showing a perfectly straight green path extending across a colorful field.

Examples

Para llegar a mi casa, sigue este camino recto.

To get to my house, follow this straight path.

Tienes que sentarte recto para que no te duela la espalda.

You have to sit up straight so your back doesn't hurt.

La carretera es totalmente recta por muchos kilómetros.

The highway is completely straight for many kilometers.

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'.

Using the wrong form for feminine nouns

Mistake: “La línea es recto.”

Correction: La línea es recta. (The line is straight.)

inmediato

/een-meh-dee-AH-toh//inmeˈðjato/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inmediato' to describe a relationship or position in a hierarchy, such as a direct supervisor or the next step in a process.
A simple drawing showing a large blue sphere connected directly to a small red cube by a short, straight green line, illustrating a direct relationship.

Examples

Mi superior inmediato me dio el permiso.

My direct supervisor (boss) gave me permission.

El impacto fue en la zona inmediata al cráter.

The impact was in the area next to the crater.

Ella es la heredera inmediata al trono.

She is the direct (closest) heir to the throne.

Placement

When 'inmediato' refers to physical proximity ('next house'), it usually follows the noun, just like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish.

oriente

/oh-ree-EHN-teh//oˈɾjen.te/

verbB2general
Use 'oriente' as the present subjunctive form of 'orientar,' meaning to guide or direct someone towards a goal or location.
A kind adult figure standing beside a clear dirt path, extending an arm to indicate the direction the path goes to a smaller figure.

Examples

Espero que me oriente para encontrar el museo.

I hope that he/she guides me to find the museum.

Oriente la antena hacia el sur.

Direct the antenna toward the south. (Formal command)

The '-AR' Subjunctive

Since orientar is an -AR verb, its present subjunctive forms (like oriente) use the opposite vowel ('E') compared to the indicative 'A' forms.

Directo vs. Recto for Paths

Learners often confuse 'directo' and 'recto,' but they have distinct meanings. 'Directo' implies the shortest or fastest way, often with no stops, while 'recto' strictly means geometrically straight, like a line without bends.

Related Translations

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