Inklingo

How to Say "straight" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “straight” is “recto” — use 'recto' when referring to a line, path, or object that is not curved or bent, emphasizing its directness.

recto🔊A1

Use 'recto' when referring to a line, path, or object that is not curved or bent, emphasizing its directness.

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derecho🔊A2

Use 'derecho' for things that are not bent or curved, often describing physical shapes or directions.

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directo🔊A1

Use 'directo' for paths, routes, or connections that are without interruption or detours, like a direct flight or a straight shot.

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directamente🔊A2

Use 'directamente' to describe an action or movement that proceeds in a straight physical direction without deviation.

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heterosexual🔊A2

Use 'heterosexual' to describe a person who is attracted to people of the opposite sex. This is the common informal way to say 'straight' in this context.

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lineal🔊B1

Use 'lineal' when referring to something that follows a straight course or order, often used for narratives, processes, or geometric arrangements.

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English → Spanish

recto

REK-tohˈrek.to

adjectiveA1general
Use 'recto' when referring to a line, path, or object that is not curved or bent, emphasizing its directness.
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.)

derecho

deh-REH-chohdeˈɾe.t͡ʃo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'derecho' for things that are not bent or curved, often describing physical shapes or directions.
A simple illustration showing a perfectly straight blue line contrasting sharply with a wavy, crooked line.

Examples

Traza una línea derecha con la regla.

Draw a straight line with the ruler.

Siéntate derecho en la silla para no lastimarte la espalda.

Sit up straight in the chair so you don't hurt your back.

Mi hermano tiene el pelo muy derecho.

My brother has very straight hair.

'Derecho' vs. 'Recto'

Mistake: “Using 'derecho' and 'recto' as if they are perfectly interchangeable.”

Correction: 'Recto' is more for geometry and precise lines. 'Derecho' is more common for general straightness, like hair or posture. For directions, you almost always use 'derecho'.

directo

dee-REK-tohdiˈɾekto

adjectiveA1general
Use 'directo' for paths, routes, or connections that are without interruption or detours, like a direct flight or a straight shot.
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.)

directamente

dee-rek-tah-MEN-tehdi.ɾek.taˈmen.te

adverbA2general
Use 'directamente' to describe an action or movement that proceeds in a straight physical direction without deviation.
A cheerful blue arrow moving in a perfectly straight, unobstructed line from a yellow starting point to a red circular target, illustrating movement without deviation.

Examples

El bus va directamente al centro de la ciudad.

The bus goes directly to the city center.

Hablé directamente con el gerente, sin pasar por recepción.

I spoke directly with the manager, without going through reception.

¿Podemos ir directamente al grano?

Can we get straight to the point?

Adverb Formation

Like many Spanish adverbs, 'directamente' is formed by adding '-mente' (which often works like '-ly' in English) to the feminine form of the adjective 'directa'.

heterosexual

eh-teh-ro-sek-swaleteɾoseksˈwal

adjectiveA2informal
Use 'heterosexual' to describe a person who is attracted to people of the opposite sex. This is the common informal way to say 'straight' in this context.
A man and a woman holding hands while walking together in a park.

Examples

Juan es un hombre heterosexual.

Juan is a heterosexual man.

Tengo muchos amigos heterosexuales.

I have many heterosexual friends.

Es una pareja heterosexual muy amable.

They are a very kind heterosexual couple.

One word for everyone

Unlike many Spanish words, this one does not change for men or women. It always ends in 'l' whether you are describing a boy or a girl.

Making it plural

To talk about more than one person, simply add 'es' at the end to make it 'heterosexuales'.

The 'o' or 'a' trap

Mistake: “Juan es heterosexualo.”

Correction: Juan es heterosexual. Don't add an 'o' or 'a' at the end; the word stays the same for both genders.

lineal

lee-neh-AHLli.neˈal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'lineal' when referring to something that follows a straight course or order, often used for narratives, processes, or geometric arrangements.
A row of colorful wooden blocks arranged in a perfectly straight horizontal line on a white surface.

Examples

Esta película no tiene una narrativa lineal; empieza por el final.

This movie doesn't have a linear narrative; it starts at the end.

El diseño de la casa es muy lineal y moderno.

The design of the house is very linear and modern.

Sigue un pensamiento lineal sin distraerse.

He follows a linear thought process without getting distracted.

One Form for All

This word doesn't change for 'boy' or 'girl' words. You use 'lineal' for both masculine and feminine nouns (el proceso lineal, la estructura lineal).

Making it Plural

Since it ends in a consonant, just add '-es' to make it plural: 'los metros lineales'.

Confusing with 'alineado'

Mistake: “La fila está lineal.”

Correction: La fila está alineada.

Recto vs. Derecho vs. Directo

Learners often confuse 'recto', 'derecho', and 'directo' when describing lines or paths. 'Recto' and 'derecho' primarily describe the physical shape or orientation (not curved), while 'directo' emphasizes the absence of stops or detours in a route or connection.

Related Translations

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