Italian · Travel & Getting Around

"Right (direction)" in Italian: a destra

a destra

Say it: ah DES-trahadverb/a ˈdɛs.tra/

Right as a direction in Italian is a destra (ah DES-trah). Say gira a destra (turn right). Destro/destra as adjectives mark the right-hand side of something.

Walking directions

Dopo la piazza gira a destra.
After the square turn right.
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How to pronounce a destra

Say it

ah DES-trah

/a ˈdɛs.tra/

Destra stresses DES: DES-trah. A destra is ah-DES-trah.

"Right (direction)" in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
a destrato the right; on the right

Directions and locations.

gira a destraturn right

Walking or driving.

sulla destraon the right-hand side

Describing a side.

la mano destrathe right hand

Body side.

How to use a destra in real life

  1. 1Walking directions

    Dopo la piazza gira a destra.

    After the square turn right.

    Gira a destra is the stock phrase.

  2. 2Finding a door

    L'ingresso è a destra dell'ascensore.

    The entrance is to the right of the elevator.

    A destra di + landmark.

  3. 3Theater seats

    Siamo a destra, fila cinque.

    We're on the right, row five.

    A destra for seating side.

Mistakes English speakers make with a destra

Incorrect: Gira destro qui.

Correct: Gira a destra qui.

Directions use a destra, not bare destro.

Incorrect: Il negozio è in destra.

Correct: Il negozio è a destra.

Use a destra, not in destra.

Good to know

Street directions pair a destra with landmarks more than with street names in historic centers. In politics destra means the right wing—same spelling as the noun for the right side—so listen for context.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Finding a bookstore in the centro

  1. ChatPal

    La libreria è a destra o a sinistra?

    Is the bookstore on the right or on the left?

  2. You

    A destra, subito dopo il bar.

    On the right, right after the bar.

  3. ChatPal

    Perfetto: al bar giro a destra.

    Perfect: at the bar I'll turn right.

  4. You

    Sì, e resta sulla destra del marciapiede.

    Yes, and stay on the right side of the sidewalk.

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"Right (direction)" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Right (direction)" in Italian

How do I say turn right?

Gira a destra (tu) or giri a destra (Lei).

Destra or destro?

A destra for directions. Destro agrees as an adjective: il lato destro.

How do I say on my right?

Alla mia destra.

Does destra mean correct?

No—correct is corretto/giusto. Destra here is the direction.

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