This is one of the most useful travel and navigation phrases. Whether you’re asking for directions or helping someone else, knowing how to say “Go straight ahead” clearly is essential in any language.
Spanish
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Siga recto
- English Translation: Go straight ahead
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (imperative)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsi.ɣa ˈrek.to/
2. Example Sentence
- Siga recto hasta la plaza.
- Go straight ahead until the square.
Use siga (imperative form of seguir) in formal or polite situations.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
In Spanish, directions often use the formal “usted” form, especially when speaking to strangers. Sigue recto is informal.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Stand in a room and give yourself directions aloud: Siga recto, then turn, and say Gire a la derecha (Turn right).
Italian
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Vada dritto
- English Translation: Go straight ahead
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (imperative, formal)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈva.da ˈdrit.to/
2. Example Sentence
- Vada dritto per due isolati.
- Go straight ahead for two blocks.
“Vada” is the polite imperative form of andare (to go).
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
Use vada dritto with strangers. Vai dritto is used informally with friends.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Write a mock direction: Vada dritto, poi giri a sinistra.
Portuguese
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Siga em frente
- English Translation: Go straight ahead
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (imperative)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsi.ɡɐ ẽj̃ ˈfɾẽ.tʃi/ (BR)
2. Example Sentence
- Siga em frente até o sinal.
- Go straight ahead until the traffic light.
Siga comes from seguir, and is used in both formal and polite instructions.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
Common variations include Vá em frente (also correct). Use siga to sound more formal or instructional.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Practice this phrase with: Siga em frente por cinco minutos.
German
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Gehen Sie geradeaus
- English Translation: Go straight ahead
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (imperative, formal)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡeː.ən ziː ɡəˈʁaː.də.ʔaʊ̯s/
2. Example Sentence
- Gehen Sie geradeaus bis zur Ampel.
- Go straight ahead until the traffic light.
Geradeaus means “straight ahead” and is frequently used in directions.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
Use Gehen Sie for formal speech. Geh geradeaus is informal and used with children or close friends.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Look at a city map and say aloud: Gehen Sie geradeaus, dann rechts.
French
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Allez tout droit
- English Translation: Go straight ahead
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (imperative, formal)
- IPA Pronunciation: /a.le tu dʁwa/
2. Example Sentence
- Allez tout droit jusqu’au carrefour.
- Go straight ahead until the intersection.
“Allez” is the imperative of aller (to go); tout droit means “straight ahead.”
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
Allez tout droit is polite and neutral. The verb changes to Vas tout droit in informal speech.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Walk through your home giving directions aloud: Allez tout droit, tournez à gauche.
Multilingual Bonus Table
| Language | Native Phrase | IPA Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Siga recto | /ˈsi.ɣa ˈrek.to/ |
| Italian | Vada dritto | /ˈva.da ˈdrit.to/ |
| Portuguese | Siga em frente | /ˈsi.ɡɐ ẽj̃ ˈfɾẽ.tʃi/ |
| German | Gehen Sie geradeaus | /ˈɡeː.ən ziː ɡəˈʁaː.də.ʔaʊ̯s/ |
| French | Allez tout droit | /a.le tu dʁwa/ |
