"derecha" used with Masculin Noun

Question

Ok, so this is what I understand:

"derecha" - means "right" as in the context of position. "derecho" - can also mean "right" if the gender is masculin, and also means "straight ahead"

In this sentence though "El teatro está derecha del hombre", howcome its "derecha" and not "derecho" (since 'teatro' is masculin) ??

El teatro esta derecha del hombre is incorrect. See below where chileno fixed it for you. - margaretcorwin, Jul 17, 2011

masculine :) don't forget the 'e' - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 18, 2011

Answer 1

Derecho= right, also straight.

Derecha = straight, right side/hand

would that help you on that count?

"El teatro está a la (mano) derecha del hombre"

Better?

Answer 2

When giving directions:

derecho or derechito = straight ahead (Sigue derecho/derechito = Keep on going straight ahead)

a la derecha = to the right (Dobla a la derecha en la esquina del teatro = Turn to the right at the corner where the theater is).

These aren't adjectives, therefore, they don't change genders. So your question about derecho/derecha modifying teatro has you confused. Adjectives modify nouns and these are not adjectives.

Chileno's sentence is the correct one.

Answer 3

"Derecho" means "right" only as a noun. As in "human rights" (los derechos humanos). It has nothing to do with direction in this sense.

If you read his question, he is giving directions - the theater is to the right of the man, so it has everything to do with directions in this sense. Also, if you study "derecho", it means you are studying laws, or Law School. Can mean different things. - margaretcorwin, Jul 18, 2011

You have completely misunderstood me margaret. - gintar77, Jul 18, 2011

He clearly stated in his question that "'derecho'- can also mean 'right' if the gender is masculin [sic]'. - gintar77, Jul 18, 2011

His confusion is clear when he asks "howcome its "derecha" and not "derecho" (since 'teatro' is masculin) ??" - gintar77, Jul 18, 2011

Hopefully now if you reread my post it is meant to make clear that "derecho" when meaning "right" has nothing to do with directions. - gintar77, Jul 18, 2011

My apologies to you gintar, I never try to offend anyone intentionally. We just have a difference of opinions here. - margaretcorwin, Jul 18, 2011

But it also means "straight ahead" which does, indeed, have to do with direction. - samdie, Jul 18, 2011

Yes, of course, I know that. I'm **only** talking about when "derecho" means "right". - gintar77, Jul 18, 2011

Answer 4

In another context, "el derecho" also means "the law / legal system."

Answer 5

Derecho, derecha (adjective): right, straight.

A la derecha (phrase): to the right.

A la derecha del hombre.

A la derecha del padre.

A la derecha de la Estatua de la Libertad.