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recto means straight (ahead) — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 17, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

recto

adjective • /[REK-toh]/

straight (ahead)

Example:

Sigue recto hasta ver la playa.

Go straight until you see the beach.

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🧠 What does recto mean?

Recto, as an adjective, means 'straight' or 'straight ahead,' especially when giving or receiving directions. It describes a path or line without bends or curves. Think of it as indicating a direct, undeviating route.

📚 Extra examples

  • Sigue recto por esta calle.
    Go straight ahead on this street.
  • Camine recto hasta el semáforo.
    Walk straight until the traffic light.
  • La carretera no es recta; tiene muchas curvas.
    The road isn't straight; it has many curves.
  • Gira a la derecha después de la próxima recta.
    Turn right after the next straight stretch.
  • Mantén el volante recto.
    Keep the steering wheel straight.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'straight (ahead)' in Spanish?
You can say 'recto' (masculine) or 'recta' (feminine) depending on the noun it modifies. For directions, 'recto' is commonly used as an adverb even though it is technically an adjective.
How do you pronounce 'recto' in Spanish?
How do you use 'recto' in a sentence?
For example: 'Sigue recto hasta llegar a la plaza' (Go straight until you reach the square).
What is the English translation of 'recto'?
It translates to 'straight' or 'straight ahead.'
Does 'recto' change for gender and number?
Yes, it has a feminine form, 'recta,' and plural forms, 'rectos' (masculine) and 'rectas' (feminine).
Is 'recto' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it's frequently used, especially when giving directions.
Does 'recto' have slang or double meanings?
In some contexts, 'recto' can refer to the rectum (as it does in English Anatomy), but this is usually clear from the context. In everyday conversation, particularly regarding directions, it means 'straight' and is very common.
Is 'recto' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, its meaning and usage are consistent across Spanish-speaking regions.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "recto"

Synonyms: derecho
Opposites: curvo, torcido

💡 Did You Know?

While 'recto' primarily means 'straight', the feminine form 'recta' is also used in geometry to refer to a straight line.

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