Saying "right" in English is deceptively simple. We use it to indicate direction, express agreement, claim an entitlement, or correct a mistake. Because English collapses these distinct concepts into a single word, translating "right" into Spanish requires looking at the actual function of the word in your sentence.
If you use the wrong translation, you won't just sound awkward—you might completely change your meaning. Saying tienes derecho instead of tienes razón shifts a casual "you're right" into a formal legal claim. This guide breaks down the core meanings of "right" in English and matches them to their exact Spanish equivalents, giving you the clarity you need to speak naturally.
Directional Right: Derecha
When you are giving driving directions, telling someone which way to turn, or describing the physical side of a body, "right" translates directly to derecha.
Most of the time, you will pair this word with the preposition a la (to the) or en la (on the).
- Turn right at the corner. (Gira a la derecha en la esquina.)
- My house is on the right. (Mi casa está a la derecha.)
- Write with your right hand. (Escribe con tu mano derecha.)
Notice that derecha functions as a noun when preceded by an article (la derecha) and as an adjective when modifying a noun like hand (mano derecha). When used as an adjective, it matches the feminine gender of mano. If you were talking about a right foot (pie derecho), the adjective shifts to masculine because pie is masculine.
Correctness and Agreement: Razón
When you want to tell someone they are correct, or that a statement is accurate, derecha is completely wrong. Instead, Spanish speakers use the noun razón (reason).
The standard idiom for "you're right" is tienes razón (you have reason). Translating "to be right" as estar correcto sounds unnatural or overly literal in everyday conversation.
- You're right, we need to leave now. (Tienes razón, tenemos que salir ahora.)
- I think she is right about the budget. (Creo que ella tiene razón sobre el presupuesto.)
- Am I right or wrong? (¿Tengo razón o me equivoqué?)
You can conjugate the verb tener to fit any subject. Tiene razón means he, she, or you (formal) are right. Tenemos razón means we are right.
Truth and Confirmation: Verdad
Another frequent use of "right?" in English is the conversational tag we tack onto the end of a sentence to seek agreement, similar to "isn't it?" or "correct?"
In Spanish, the most versatile tool for this is ¿verdad? (truth?) or its close cousin ¿no?.
- We are meeting tomorrow, right? (Nos vemos mañana, ¿verdad?)
- That movie was incredible, right? (Esa película estuvo increíble, ¿no?)
You can also use correcto or exacto when confirming factual data, test answers, or logistics, but ¿verdad? dominates casual spoken Spanish.
Rights and Entitlements: Derecho
When "right" refers to a legal privilege, a moral claim, or a fundamental freedom, it becomes the noun derecho.
- Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. (La libertad de expresión es un derecho fundamental.)
- You have the right to remain silent. (Tienes derecho a guardar silencio.)
Unlike the directional word derecha, the noun for entitlements is masculine (el derecho). Keep this distinction clear so you don't mix up your physical directions with your civil liberties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Language learners often fall into predictable traps when translating this word. Spotting these errors early keeps your Spanish crisp.
Don't translate "right now" as ahora derecha. That makes zero sense. The standard phrase for immediate action is ahora mismo or simply ahorita in many Latin American countries.
Don't say soy correcto to mean "I am right" in an argument. Correcto describes a thing, an action, or a test score, not a person's state of being correct in an opinion. Stick to tienes razón or estoy en lo correcto if you are defending a factual point.
Pay attention to context before you speak. Pause for a second and ask yourself: am I talking about a physical turn, a moral privilege, or an argument won? That momentary check guarantees you choose the right word every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say "turn right" in Spanish?
Use the phrase gira a la derecha for an informal command, or gire a la derecha for a formal instruction. If you are telling multiple people, use giren a la derecha.
Can I use correcto to mean "you're right"?
Correcto means "correct" and works well for confirming test answers, math problems, or logistics. However, native speakers rarely use it during a debate or conversation to concede a point. They prefer tienes razón.
Is derecha masculine or feminine?
As a noun representing the right side, it is feminine (la derecha). When used as an adjective modifying a masculine noun, it changes to derecho, such as el lado derecho (the right side).
How do I say "right away"?
To express urgency, use inmediatamente, en seguida, or ahora mismo.
