dreta

Dreta is a term found in Catalan and other Romance languages that denotes the right-hand side as well as the political right. In everyday use it appears in phrases like a la dreta (to the right) or la dreta (the right side), and it also functions as a political label for right-wing groups in Catalan-speaking regions. As a proper noun, Dreta can occur as a surname in Catalan-speaking communities, and occasionally as part of place names, though such uses are uncommon.

Etymology and related forms: Dreta derives from Latin dexter, through Old Catalan. It is cognate with Spanish derecha, French droite, and Italian destra. In Catalan, the term pairs with esquerra (the left) to form common political and geographic expressions.

Usage and regional context: The word is used primarily within Catalan-speaking areas, including Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, as well as in parts of Aragon and the Pyrenees. In political discourse, la dreta refers to conservative or center-right positions, in contrast to la esquerra, which denotes left-wing positions. Beyond politics, dreta commonly describes the right-hand side of objects, maps, or diagrams.

See also: derecha, destra, dextera, left and right in Romance languages.