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Spanish Phrase

¿Es la primera a la derecha?

/es la pɾiˈmeɾa a la deˈɾe.tʃa/
Meaning"Is it the first one on the right?"
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Meaning

This question asks whether a particular object, shop, or place is the first one you encounter on the right-hand side. It is a polite way to confirm a location when you are looking at a row of items or a street.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are standing in front of a series of doors, shops, apartments, or any items arranged left‑to‑right and you need to know if the one you are pointing at is the first on the right.

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Eslaprimeraaladerecha?

1

Ser (es)

The verb ser is used for identification or classification; here it asks if something belongs to the category 'the first on the right'.

2

Ordinal adjective (primera)

Ordinal adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify; 'primera' is feminine singular, matching an implied feminine noun such as 'casa' or 'puerta'.

3

Prepositional phrase (a la derecha)

The preposition a + definite article la + noun derecha forms the location phrase 'to the right'.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Es la primera a la derecha?

Is it the first one on the right?

Sí, es la primera a la derecha.

Yes, it’s the first one on the right.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Es la primera el derecha?

    The article must agree in gender with "derecha"; use "la" not "el".

  • ¿Es la primera al derecha?

    When the preposition a is followed by a definite article, it contracts to "al" only with masculine nouns; "derecha" is feminine, so keep "a la".

  • ¿Está la primera a la derecha?

    While "estar" is sometimes heard, "ser" is the standard verb for identification in this construction.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Está la primera a la derecha?

    Is the first one on the right?

  • ¿Es la primera a la derecha de aquí?

    Is it the first one on the right from here?

  • ¿Es la primera a la derecha de la calle?

    Is it the first one on the right of the street?

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries, directions are often given using landmarks rather than street numbers. When you ask "¿Es la primera a la derecha?" you are relying on visual cues. Remember that "derecha" (right) is always used with the article "la" (a la derecha) and that "ser" is preferred for identification, while "estar" can also be heard in casual speech.