"derecho" and "derecha"?

Question

Hello to you all, I learned that "Derecha" means "right". but then i continume learning and i understood that the word "derecho"which sound the same can mean also "straight"so what is the diferences and how can i know the diferences?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Great question! I had a experience driving with a couple Colombian friends. I was driving, and came to an intersection. Asked which way to go, heard 'derecho' and thought that meant to turn right. At the start of the turn, 2 hands magically appeared pointing straight ahead. That's when I learned that derecho is straight ahead. Listening better on subsequent trips, I heard that they always said 'a la derecha' when they wanted me to turn right. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I like to remember this by this method:

.

Directions (both feminine):

la izquierda (left)

la derecha (right)

.

Right (masculine):

el derecho

so, how can i say go straight? - Gigantesco, Apr 25, 2011

derecho is straight - Yeser007, Apr 25, 2011

siga derecho- go straight - Yeser007, Apr 25, 2011

Pesta, I use the same method, it's the only way I can remember but always for 'straight', I never think of derecho as "the right" although I know it is. - Yeser007, Apr 25, 2011

I have heard for "straight ahead" to say "adelante" - pesta, Apr 25, 2011

Answer 3

I'm surprised by these answers.

Here in the Gringo Zone of Mexico, "direcha" means "right," as in "right turn."

"Direcho" means "straight ahead."

That's what I learned but I'm just a gringo outside the zone:) - Yeser007, Apr 25, 2011

Answer 4

"Derecha" means right in a literal sense, as in turning right or your right hand.

"Derecho" can mean the same thing (depending on the gender of a noun) but it also means a law or a right in the sense of the Bill of Rights or human rights.

muy bien dicho =) - DJ_Huero, Apr 25, 2011

Answer 5

As I understand it derecho is straight ahead if it is used in that context. Some places use another term for straight a head.

They may say todo recto.

Answer 6

Derecho = straight (ahead) or right as in Bill of Rights or it is your right.

A la derecha = to the right (hand) as in turning.