French Phrase
C'est la première à droite ?
Meaning
The speaker is confirming whether a particular place, street, or turn is the first one on the right side. It’s a typical phrase used when navigating a city or following directions.
When to use
Use this question when you’re looking for a specific location (a shop, a house, a turn) and you want to verify that the one you see is the first one on the right side of the street.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estlapremièreàdroite?
C'est
Contraction of 'ce' + 'est', used to point out or identify something, equivalent to 'it is' or 'this is' in English.
la première
Feminine singular form of the ordinal number 'premier', meaning 'the first'. It agrees with a feminine noun that is implied (e.g., 'rue', 'intersection').
à droite
Prepositional phrase meaning 'to the right' or 'on the right'. Used after verbs of location or direction.
Question intonation
In spoken French, a rising intonation at the end of the sentence signals a yes‑no question; the written form can also use a question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, c’est la première à droite ?
Excuse me, is this the first one on the right?
Oui, c’est bien celle‑ci. Vous avez trouvé la boutique.
Yes, it’s exactly that one. You’ve found the shop.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est le premier à droite ?
Use the feminine form 'première' because the implied noun (e.g., 'rue' or 'intersection') is feminine.
C'est la première à la droite ?
The correct preposition is simply 'à droite' when indicating location.
C’est la première à droite.
Missing the question mark or rising intonation can turn the sentence into a statement.
↔Alternatives
C’est le premier à droite ?
Is it the first one on the right? (masculine reference)
C’est la première rue à droite ?
Is it the first street on the right?
C’est la première à gauche ?
Is it the first one on the left?
Cultural Tip
In France, directions are often given using landmarks rather than street numbers. When you ask "C’est la première à droite ?" you’re likely confirming a visual cue (a shop window, a café sign). Politeness matters: start with "Excusez‑moi" or "Pardon" before the question, especially in busy urban areas.