Thanks Tony, for your question!
How do you translate direito into English? The word “direito,” which most people know as meaning “right” also has a few other meanings in Portuguese.
Let me explain the meanings of “direito” in Portuguese:
1. As an adjective, it refers to “something that goes in a straight line, doesn’t curve, is upright or is direct” For example “caminho direito” (straight path) or “A Torre de Pisa não é direita” (the leaning tower of pizza is not upright).
2. When speaking about right/left “direito” means right. So for example, “está no lado direito” (it’s on the right side).
3. Direito can also mean “just, reasonable, correct or refer something that has integrity.” So for example, “um homem direito” (a just/honorable man). Your mom might tell you “senta direito!” (sit up straight, correctly).
4. Direito can also mean “righteous” or “by right.” In the Portuguese version of The Lion King (O Rei Leão) a character says “Simba é o rei de direito!” (“Simba is the rightful/lawful king!” )
5. As a noun, direito can mean “claim,” “right” or “entitlement.” “É direito dele” means “It’s his right”.
6. The noun “law” as a subject is also translated to “direito” in Portuguese. For example, someone who is going to become a lawyer might say “estudo direito” (I study law).
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