Translation guide
The English word "right" has many meanings, including direction, correctness, entitlement, and political orientation. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
Expressing that something is correct, accurate, or true.
The most common word for 'correct' or 'right' in a moral, factual, or logical sense.
あなたの答えは正しいです。
Your answer is right.
彼の言っていることは正しい。
What he says is right.
Means 'correct' or 'accurate', often used for answers, facts, or matching expectations. More casual than 正しい.
その情報は合っていますか？
Is that information right?
Used for guesses or predictions being 'right' or 'correct', like hitting the mark.
私の予想が当たりだった。
My prediction was right.
Referring to the right-hand side.
The standard word for the direction 'right'.
次の交差点を右に曲がってください。
Please turn right at the next intersection.
右側に立ってください。
Please stand on the right side.
Specifically means 'right hand'.
右手で書きます。
I write with my right hand.
Something one is allowed to do or have, often legally or morally.
The standard word for a 'right' in the sense of entitlement or legal right.
誰にでも教育を受ける権利がある。
Everyone has the right to receive an education.
言論の自由は基本的な権利です。
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right.
Pattern meaning 'have the right to do something'.
あなたには反論する権利がある。
You have the right to object.
Emphasizing immediacy or precision, as in 'right now' or 'right here'.
Means 'right now' or 'immediately'.
今すぐ来てください。
Please come right now.
Means 'exactly' or 'just', used for precision like 'right here' or 'right on time'.
ちょうどここに置いてください。
Put it right here.
彼はちょうど時間通りに来た。
He came right on time.
Means 'soon' or 'right away', often used for immediate actions.
すぐ戻ります。
I'll be right back.
Referring to conservative or right-wing political views.
The standard term for 'right-wing' in politics.
彼は右翼の政治家です。
He is a right-wing politician.
Means 'right-wing faction' or 'rightist', often used in political contexts.
右派の意見が強まっている。
Right-wing opinions are growing stronger.
Indicating that something is the correct or most suitable choice.
Means 'appropriate' or 'suitable', often used for decisions or actions.
それは適切な判断だと思います。
I think that's the right decision.
Means 'suitable' or 'fitting', often for people or roles.
彼はその仕事にふさわしい人だ。
He is the right person for the job.
English 'right' covers both direction and correctness, but Japanese uses completely different words. Using 右 for 'correct' is a common mistake.
それは右です。
That is right. (direction)
正しい is more formal and absolute, while 合っている is often used for factual correctness or matching expectations. In casual conversation, 合っている is very common.
テストの答えは正しかった。
The test answers were right (correct).
君の言う通り、合ってるよ。
You're right, that's correct.
彼についてあなたの言ったことは正しかった。
You were right about him.