Spanish word

derecho

Pronunciation

IPA/deˈɾetʃo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounright

Example

Todos tienen derecho a expresarse.

Everyone has the right to express themselves.

Illustration for derecho (right)

More examples

El derecho laboral protege a los trabajadores.

The workers' right protects workers.

Core concept

Legal or moral entitlement to a benefit or protection.

Common phrases

  • tener derecho a

    be entitled to

  • derecho humano

    human right

  • derecho laboral

    workers' right

Similar words

permiso: Authorization from a person or organization allowing a specific action.
licencia: Official permission or certificate issued by authorities to allow an act.
privilegio: Special advantage or favorable treatment granted because of rank or status.

Definition in Spanish

Facultad o garantía que permite a una persona reclamar y obtener un beneficio o protección reconocida por la ley, la moral o la sociedad.

Word origin

Derived from Latin directus 'straight, right', the term shifted in Spanish from 'what is proper' to the idea of a legally or socially recognized entitlement.

Usage tips

  • Spanish derecho does not mean 'correct'; use correcto or justo for correctness, while derecho normally names an entitlement or the legal system.

Other meanings

  • lawnoun
  • straightadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word