Rechtdoor

Rechtdoor is a Dutch adverb and directional expression meaning "straight ahead" or "directly forward." It is used to indicate continuing in a straight line, especially when giving directions or reading road signs.

In everyday language, speakers say "Ga rechtdoor" or "Rijd rechtdoor" to instruct someone to proceed without turning. In traffic signs and road instructions, the word is used to tell drivers to continue straight, often accompanied by an arrow. On maps and GPS devices, directions may include phrases such as "rechtdoor 500 m" to indicate distance to travel straight ahead.

The term derives from "recht" meaning straight or right, plus "door" meaning through or onward, forming a compound that describes movement through a space in a straight line. It is commonly used with verbs like "gaan" and "rijden," but can also appear as a stand-alone instruction on signs.

Variants and related expressions include "rechtdoor rijden" (to drive straight ahead) and "ga rechtdoor tot aan de kruising" (go straight to the intersection). "Rechtdoor" can also function in figurative language to mean proceeding directly without detours, though this use is less common than its literal sense. In English, it is typically translated as "straight ahead" or "straight on."