Derecha vs. derecho
The Spanish words derecha and derecho can be confusing as they both relate to the English word "right". However, they have distinct grammatical functions and meanings, ranging from direction and law to physical orientation. The key is to understand their roles as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Derecha
A1Derecha is used as a feminine noun to mean the direction right or the political right wing. It is also used as a feminine adjective meaning right, and must agree with the feminine noun it describes.
La farmacia está a la derecha del banco.
(The pharmacy is to the right of the bank.)
Uso la mano derecha para escribir.
(I use my right hand to write.)
La puerta derecha del coche está rota.
(The right door of the car is broken.)
Su ideología política se inclina hacia la derecha.
(His political ideology leans towards the right.)
Derecho
A1Derecho is a versatile word. As a masculine noun, it means law (as a field of study) or a right (an entitlement). As a masculine adjective, it means right or straight. As an adverb, it means straight ahead.
Tienes el derecho de permanecer en silencio.
(You have the right to remain silent.)
Mi hermana estudia derecho en la universidad.
(My sister studies law at the university.)
Me duele el hombro derecho al levantarlo.
(My right shoulder hurts when I lift it.)
Para llegar al museo, camine todo derecho por esta calle.
(To get to the museum, walk straight ahead on this street.)
Ese cuadro en la pared no está derecho.
(That painting on the wall is not straight.)
El acceso a la sanidad es un derecho básico.
(Access to healthcare is a basic right.)
Summary
In essence, derecha is feminine and refers to the direction right or acts as the adjective right for feminine nouns. Derecho is masculine and has broader meanings: as a noun, it means law or a right (entitlement); as an adjective, it means right for masculine nouns or straight; and as an adverb, it means straight ahead. The correct word choice depends entirely on the context and the word's grammatical role in the sentence.