Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Straight in Spanish
Recto · adjective · REHK-toh
The Spanish word for straight depends on context: 'recto' or 'derecho' for direction and lines, and 'liso' for straight hair. When giving directions, 'sigue derecho' (go straight) is the phrase travelers hear most often.
Pronounce 'recto' as REHK-toh, with a rolled or tapped 'r' and stress on the first syllable. For 'derecho,' say deh-REH-choh.
Sigue derecho dos cuadras y luego gira a la izquierda.
Go straight for two blocks and then turn left.
straight in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for straight, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| recto | straight | REHK-toh | Default, widely understood |
| derecho | straight | giving directions, go straight | |
| liso | straight | straight hair |
How Native Speakers Use Recto
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Giving directions
Camina derecho hasta llegar al semáforo.
Walk straight until you reach the traffic light.
Navigating to a destination.
Drawing a line
Dibuja una línea recta con la regla.
Draw a straight line with the ruler.
A geometry or art instruction.
Hair type
Mi hermana tiene el pelo liso y yo tengo rizos.
My sister has straight hair and I have curls.
Comparing hair types.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Recto
Using 'recto' for hair
Incorrect: Ella tiene el cabello recto.
Correct: Ella tiene el cabello liso.
For straight hair, Spanish uses 'liso,' not 'recto.' The word 'recto' applies to lines, posture, and directions.
Confusing 'derecho' with 'right'
Incorrect: Gira derecho (meaning turn right).
Correct: Gira a la derecha.
'Derecho' as an adverb means 'straight ahead,' while 'a la derecha' means 'to the right.' They sound similar but have different meanings in directions.
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Common Questions About straight in Spanish
- When do I use 'recto' versus 'derecho' for straight?
- Both can mean 'straight' in terms of direction, but 'derecho' is more common in everyday navigation ('sigue derecho'), while 'recto' appears more in formal or geometric contexts ('ángulo recto' = right angle).
- How do you say 'straighten' in Spanish?
- To straighten something is 'enderezar' (to make straight) or 'alisar' when referring to smoothing or straightening hair.
- Does 'derecho' also mean 'right' in Spanish?
- The word 'derecho' has multiple meanings — it can mean straight (as an adverb), right-hand side (as a noun/adjective), or a legal right, so context determines the correct interpretation.