what's the difference between a la derecha and al derecho?

Question

I think a la derecha is to the right, but when I look up al drecho it say to the right also.

Answer 1

La derecha typivally indicates direction, as in "the left." El derecho usually means "the right" but as in the right to vote or the right of free speech (derechos humanos = human rights). Derecho is tied to law. So, a student of derecho is a law student. Bottom line, the word can be used as an adjective or noun and has more than one meaning/use. "Al" indicates towards. So, "al derecho" is toward derecho. Here, it could "toward the right (male thing understood, such as right lane -- el carril, or right side -- el lado)" or "to the right" (again as in right in terms of a legal right, i.e., to vote, etc.).

First line direction as in 'the right' (la izquierda = the left) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 21, 2011

Thanks. Yes, derecha is right and izquirda is left. Necesito mi cafecito. - DonK, Jul 21, 2011

lol :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 21, 2011

Answer 2

a la derecha = to the right, on the right

al derecho = the right side, way up

Answer 3

Derecho, derecha, can be an adjective, a noun, or an adverb.

As an adjective:

The side of the body which is away from the part where the heart is mostly located. La pierna derecha, la mano derecha, el pie derecho...

Straight. Una raya derecha. Un pino derecho.

Located to the right of an observer. A la derecha de la Torre Eiffel.

The side of something that is meant to be on top, in front, or on the outside. Guarda tus calcetines al derecho.

As a noun:

something to which one has a just claim. Tengo derecho a una explicación.

the part on the right side. A mi derecha. Da vuelta a la derecha.

As an adverb:

Directly, straight. Vete derecho a casa. Camina derecho. Siéntate derecho. Se fue derecho a la cocina.

Adverbial phrase:

Al derecho y al revés: completely. Juan conoce la ciudad al derecho y al revés, porque es taxista.

Answer 4

"Todo derecho" means "straight ahead"

Answer 5

Here La derecha means to the right go right, derecho means straight ahead or here in Chile al fondo is used extensively for straight ahead or all the way to the end...i find the literal confusing and only aftyer some time in the country you pick up the idioms...each day is an adventure

Derechos are also rights or entitlements that one would normally enjoy

Answer 6

If you look down the page just a little bit more "derecho" has to do with law.

"down the page" keeps changing as voting occurs. :) - pesta, Jul 21, 2011