Italian Phrase
Vai dritto.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to continue moving straight ahead, without turning left or right. It is the most concise way to give a directional instruction.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving or receiving directions on a street, in a building, or any place where a clear, straight path is needed. It is common in everyday conversation, on maps, or when a driver asks for guidance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vaidritto
Vai (imperative)
‘Vai’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *andare* (to go). It is formed by dropping the infinitive ending -are and adding -i.
dritto (adverb)
In this context *dritto* works as an adverb meaning ‘straight, straight ahead’. It derives from the adjective *dritto* ‘straight, honest’.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, come arrivo al museo?
Excuse me, how do I get to the museum?
Vai dritto, poi gira a sinistra al semaforo.
Go straight, then turn left at the traffic light.
✕Common Mistakes
Vai diritto.
The adverbial form is *dritto* (without the second ‘i’). *Diritto* is the adjective meaning ‘right, straight (as a noun)’ and sounds unnatural here.
Tu vai dritto.
In commands the subject pronoun *tu* is omitted; adding it sounds redundant and overly formal.
Vai dritto, poi gira a destra.
If you intend to say ‘go straight, then turn left’, the turn direction must match the intended route; mixing up *destra* (right) and *sinistra* (left) changes the meaning completely.
↔Alternatives
Procedi dritto.
Proceed straight.
Continua dritto.
Continue straight.
Vai diritto.
Go straight.
Vai dritto avanti.
Go straight ahead.
Cultural Tip
In Italy directions are often paired with landmarks: ‘Vai dritto fino al semaforo’ (Go straight until the traffic light). Italians also use *dritto* figuratively to describe a person who is honest or straightforward, so the word carries both a literal and a moral nuance.