Left and right
Use this to mean 'to the left' or 'to the right' when giving directions.
A common command meaning 'turn left' or 'turn right'. This is the informal 'tú' command.
Another common way to say 'turn left' or 'turn right', often used interchangeably with 'gira'.
The restaurant is on the right.
To go to the park, turn left on the next street.
My keys aren't here. Left or right?
Raise your left hand.
The bank is to the left of the pharmacy.
The words 'izquierda' and 'derecha' are universal in the Spanish-speaking world. Variations appear in the verbs used for 'to turn'.
It's very common to hear 'dar vuelta a la izquierda/derecha' for 'to turn left/right', in addition to 'girar' and 'doblar'.
You will often hear 'voltear a la izquierda/derecha' for 'to turn'.
'Doblar' is the most common verb for 'to turn', used more frequently than 'girar'.
'Girar' is the most common verb for 'to turn'. While vocabulary is the same, commands would use the 'vosotros' form (e.g., 'girad'), which is not used in Latin America.
Saying 'en la izquierda' instead of 'a la izquierda' for directions. — Use 'a la izquierda/derecha' to indicate direction ('to the left/right'). 'En' means 'in' or 'at' a location. For example, 'El carro está a la izquierda' (The car is to the left), not 'en la izquierda'.
Using the wrong gender. 'Mano' (hand) is a feminine noun. — Always say 'la mano izquierda' and 'la mano derecha'. Saying 'el mano' is a very common error for beginners.
Confusing 'derecha' (right) with 'derecho' (straight). — 'A la derecha' means 'to the right'. 'Todo derecho' or 'sigue derecho' means 'go straight ahead'. They sound similar but have very different meanings.
Found this useful? Save it for later.