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"Recto" is an adverb which is often translated as "straight", and "derecho" is an adjective which is often translated as "right". Learn more about the difference between "recto" and "derecho" below.
recto(
rrehk
-
toh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. straight
Cuando llegues al primer semáforo, sigue recto.When you get to the first light, continue straight.
b. straight on
Nada recto hasta que llegues a la otra orilla del lago.Swim straight on until you reach the other shore of the lake.
c. straight ahead
Camina recto 100 metros y dobla a la izquierda.Walk straight ahead for 100 meters and turn left.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. upright
Robinson es un ciudadano recto que trabaja duro y ama su país.Robinson is an upright citizen who works hard and loves his country.
b. straight
David es demasiado recto para probar alguna droga ilegal.David is too straight to try any illegal drugs.
c. honest
Martha es una mujer recta que nunca diría semejante mentira.Martha is a honest woman who would never tell such a lie.
d. honorable (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Es un hombre recto que solo quiere lo mejor para su familia.He is an honorable man who only wants the best for his family.
e. honourable (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Detrás de ese político recto, hay un tirano despiadado.Behind that honourable politician there is a ruthless tyrant.
4. (not curved)
a. straight
Dibuja una línea recta que vaya desde el punto A hasta el punto B.Draw a straight line from point A to point B.
5. (geometry)
a. right
¿Cuántos ángulos rectos puede tener un triángulo equilátero?How many right angles can an equilateral triangle have?
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
derecho, el derecho(
deh
-
reh
-
choh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (direction)
b. right-hand
Tu oficina está a la mano derecha al entrar.Your office is on the right-hand side as you go in.
3. (honorable)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. straight ahead
Sigue derecho por esta calle y llegarás enseguida.Go straight ahead down this street and you'll be there in no time.
a. upright
Camina derecho, con los hombros hacia atrás y la cabeza en alto.Walk upright with your shoulders back and your head held high.
6. (directly)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
7. (legal)
a. right side (clothing)
No planches el pantalón por el derecho o le darás brillo.Don't iron the pants on the right side or they'll get shiny.
b. outside
El derecho de este suéter está lleno de pelusas.The outside of this sweater is covered in lint.
los derechos
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
10. (charge)
a. duties
Tuvieron que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar la mercancía.They had to pay the customs duties to import the goods.
b. fees
¿Cuánto vienen siendo los derechos de admisión a esta escuela?How much are the admission fees at this school?
c. dues
Denunciaron a la empresa por no pagar los derechos portuarios.They sued the company for not paying the harbor dues.
11. (property)
a. rights
Tenemos los derechos exclusivos para su autobiografía.We have the exclusive rights to her autobiography.
