Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use 'a destra' to tell someone to turn right or indicate that something is located on the right side.
- Means: To the right or on the right side.
- Used in: Driving, walking, or describing where an object is located.
- Don't confuse: With 'giusto', which means 'right' as in 'correct'.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Giving directions for a location or turn.
Cultural Background
Italians often use landmarks (churches, fountains, bars) instead of street names when giving directions. 'A destra' will often follow a landmark. A sharp movement of the hand or even just the index finger to the right often accompanies the phrase 'a destra'. In narrow Italian streets, 'a destra' might mean pulling over to the right to let someone pass, not just turning. The right side is traditionally the place of honor at a dinner table or in formal processions.
Use your hands
In Italy, directions are visual. Always point when you say 'a destra' to be better understood.
Avoid 'In'
Never say 'in destra'. It's a common mistake that marks you as a beginner immediately.
Use your hands
In Italy, directions are visual. Always point when you say 'a destra' to be better understood.
Avoid 'In'
Never say 'in destra'. It's a common mistake that marks you as a beginner immediately.
Sulla destra
Use 'sulla destra' when you want to sound more precise about where a building is located.
GPS Voice
Set your phone's GPS to Italian. You will hear 'a destra' so many times that you'll never forget it.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase for 'to the right'.
Al semaforo, devi girare ___.
'A destra' is the standard way to say 'to the right' in Italian.
Which sentence correctly says 'The book is to the right of the lamp'?
Scegli la frase corretta:
When specifying 'to the right of something', use 'a destra di' + the article.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Scusi, dov'è il museo? B: Vada dritto, poi la prima strada ___.
In directions, 'la prima strada a destra' is the standard construction.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are pointing at a person in a photo on the right side.
'Quello a destra' means 'the one on the right'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
A Destra vs. Giusto
Common Verbs with 'a destra'
Movement
- • girare
- • svoltare
- • andare
Position
- • essere
- • trovarsi
- • stare
Practice Bank
5 exercisesAl semaforo, devi girare ___.
'A destra' is the standard way to say 'to the right' in Italian.
Scegli la frase corretta:
When specifying 'to the right of something', use 'a destra di' + the article.
A: Scusi, dov'è il museo? B: Vada dritto, poi la prima strada ___.
In directions, 'la prima strada a destra' is the standard construction.
You are pointing at a person in a photo on the right side.
'Quello a destra' means 'the one on the right'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, in a spatial sense. It can also mean 'on the right side'.
Yes, but usually only when followed by 'di' (e.g., 'alla destra del padre'). For directions, 'a destra' is preferred.
You say 'mancino' for left-handed and 'destrimano' or 'destrorso' for right-handed.
In 'a destra', it acts as a noun meaning 'the right side'.
The opposite is 'a sinistra' (to the left).
Yes, 'la destra' refers to the political right wing.
It's an older, more formal way of saying 'on the right-hand side'.
Both are correct. 'Gira' is more common in conversation; 'svolta' is slightly more formal/technical.
Use the formal 'Lei' form: 'Svolti a destra'.
No, 'destra' is always feminine because it refers to 'la parte' (the part).
No! Use 'giusto' or 'corretto' for that.
It's an idiom meaning 'everywhere' or 'left and right'.
Related Phrases
a sinistra
contrastto the left
dritto
similarstraight ahead
sulla destra
specialized formon the right side
a destra e a manca
builds oneverywhere / left and right
destrorso
specialized formright-handed / clockwise
Where to Use It
Asking for directions
Turista: Scusi, dov'è la stazione?
Passante: Vada dritto e poi giri a destra.
In a taxi
Passeggero: Giri a destra alla prossima strada, per favore.
Tassista: Certamente, a destra dopo il semaforo.
At a restaurant
Cliente: Dov'è il bagno?
Cameriere: È in fondo al corridoio, a destra.
Looking at photos
Amico 1: Chi è questo ragazzo?
Amico 2: Quello a destra? È mio cugino Marco.
Setting the table
Mamma: Dove metto il coltello?
Figlio: Mettilo a destra del piatto.
Driving with GPS
GPS: Tra duecento metri, svoltate a destra.
Guidatore: Ok, devo girare a destra.
In a museum
Guida: A destra potete vedere un'opera di Caravaggio.
Visitatore: Incredibile, è bellissima!
Political discussion
Giornalista: Il governo si sposta a destra?
Politico: Vogliamo solo proteggere i confini.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'D' for 'Destra' and 'D' for 'Direction' or 'Driver's side' (in most of Europe).
Visual Association
Imagine a large neon arrow pointing to the right with the word 'DESTRA' written in bright Italian colors (green, white, red).
Rhyme
A destra, la strada è lesta! (To the right, the road is quick!)
Story
Imagine you are driving a Ferrari in Maranello. Every time you see a beautiful red car, you have to turn 'a destra' to follow it. Soon, you've memorized that 'destra' is where the excitement is.
In Other Languages
Similar to 'a la derecha' in Spanish and 'à droite' in French. All share the Latin root 'dexter'.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, every time you turn right in your house or office, say 'Giro a destra' out loud.
Review this phrase today, in 3 days, and in 1 week. Focus on the 'a' preposition.
Pronunciation
Short, open 'a' sound.
Stress on the first syllable. The 'e' is open (like in 'set').
Formality Spectrum
Svolti a destra alla prossima intersezione. (Giving directions)
Gira a destra alla prossima strada. (Giving directions)
Gira a destra qui. (Giving directions)
Taglia a destra! (Giving directions)
From the Latin 'ad' (to/at) and 'dextera' (right hand). The concept of 'right' has always been linked to skill and favor.
Fun Fact
The word 'destrezza' (dexterity/skill) comes from the same root as 'destra'.
Cultural Notes
Italians often use landmarks (churches, fountains, bars) instead of street names when giving directions. 'A destra' will often follow a landmark.
“Gira a destra dopo la fontana.”
A sharp movement of the hand or even just the index finger to the right often accompanies the phrase 'a destra'.
“[Gestures right] È a destra!”
In narrow Italian streets, 'a destra' might mean pulling over to the right to let someone pass, not just turning.
“Accosta a destra.”
The right side is traditionally the place of honor at a dinner table or in formal processions.
“Siediti alla mia destra.”
Conversation Starters
Scusi, per andare al centro devo girare a destra?
Cosa c'è a destra della tua casa?
In questa foto, chi è la persona a destra?
Pensi che l'Italia stia andando troppo a destra?
Common Mistakes
In destra
A destra
L1 Interference
Al destra
A destra
L1 Interference
Sei a destra (meaning 'You are correct')
Hai ragione
L1 Interference
Su destra
Sulla destra
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
A la derecha
Spanish uses the article 'la' (a la derecha) while Italian often omits it (a destra).
À droite
The pronunciation and spelling differ, but the logic is the same.
Nach rechts
German distinguishes more strictly between motion (nach) and location (auf).
右に (Migi ni)
The word order is reversed due to Japanese being a postpositional language.
إلى اليمين (Ila al-yamin)
Arabic uses the definite article 'al-' which is mandatory.
向右 (Xiàng yòu)
Chinese often omits prepositions in casual speech or uses different directional markers.
오른쪽으로 (O-reun-jjok-eu-ro)
Agglutinative structure makes it very different from the Italian prepositional phrase.
À direita
Portuguese almost always uses the contracted form with the article.
Spotted in the Real World
“...con la mano destra una camicia gessata...”
Describing a typical Italian man.
“Gira a destra!”
Guido giving frantic directions while driving.
“Il paese vira a destra.”
Reporting on election results.
“Metti la salsa a destra del piatto.”
Giving plating instructions to a contestant.
“Look to your right (a destra) for the best gelato in Rome.”
A travel tip video for tourists in Rome.
Easily Confused
Both can be translated as 'right' in English.
Use 'destra' for direction and 'giusto' for correctness.
Sounds similar to 'dritto' (straight) and can mean 'law/right' (legal).
Remember 'destra' is a side, 'diritto' is a legal right or a straight line.
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Yes, in a spatial sense. It can also mean 'on the right side'.
basic understandingYes, but usually only when followed by 'di' (e.g., 'alla destra del padre'). For directions, 'a destra' is preferred.
grammar mechanicsYou say 'mancino' for left-handed and 'destrimano' or 'destrorso' for right-handed.
usage contextsIn 'a destra', it acts as a noun meaning 'the right side'.
grammar mechanicsThe opposite is 'a sinistra' (to the left).
basic understandingYes, 'la destra' refers to the political right wing.
cultural usageIt's an older, more formal way of saying 'on the right-hand side'.
comparisonsBoth are correct. 'Gira' is more common in conversation; 'svolta' is slightly more formal/technical.
practical tipsUse the formal 'Lei' form: 'Svolti a destra'.
usage contextsNo, 'destra' is always feminine because it refers to 'la parte' (the part).
grammar mechanicsNo! Use 'giusto' or 'corretto' for that.
common mistakesIt's an idiom meaning 'everywhere' or 'left and right'.
practical tips
