Turn left / turn right
The direct counterpart, meaning 'Turn right'. Use this for giving directions to the right.
A very common alternative using the verb 'doblar' (to fold, to turn). It's used interchangeably with 'girar'.
Means 'Take the left / right'. This is common when directions involve choosing a path or street.
Literally 'Give a turn to the left / right'. Very common in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.
To get to the museum, turn right on the next street.
Excuse me, do I turn left here to go to the pharmacy?
Go straight for two blocks and then take a left.
At the traffic light, turn right.
'Girar' and 'doblar' are the most universally understood verbs for 'to turn'. 'Gire' and 'doble' are the formal 'usted' commands, which are safe and polite to use with strangers.
'Doblar' is very common. You will also frequently hear 'dar vuelta' (e.g., 'Dé vuelta a la izquierda').
In addition to 'girar' and 'doblar', the verb 'voltear' is also used for turning. For example, 'Voltee a la derecha en la esquina'.
'Doblar' is the most common verb. For an informal command, you would use 'vos' and say 'Doblá a la derecha'.
'Girar' is very common. For informal plural commands (speaking to friends), they use the 'vosotros' form: 'Girad a la izquierda'.
Saying 'Girar a la izquierda' when giving a command. — Use 'Gire a la izquierda'. 'Girar' is the infinitive ('to turn'), while 'Gire' is the command ('Turn!'). It's like telling someone 'To turn left' instead of 'Turn left'.
Forgetting the 'a la' part, saying 'Gire izquierda'. — Always say 'Gire a la izquierda' or 'Gire a la derecha'. The phrase 'a la' means 'to the' and is essential for the direction to make sense.
Using 'dejar' for 'left'. — 'Dejar' means 'to leave' or 'to let'. The word for the direction 'left' is always 'izquierda'. Right is 'derecha'.
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