Translation and Meaning of: 右 - migi

The Japanese term 「右」 (migi) refers to the direction "right." The word is widely used in the everyday language of native Japanese speakers to indicate direction, spatial location, and orientation. For example, in contexts such as directions or locating objects in a space. Understanding its etymology, origin, and definitions helps in mastering not only the vocabulary but also a deeper understanding of the Japanese language.

The etymology of the kanji 「右」 is quite interesting. Visually, it resembles a hand, with the original intent of representing the action associated with the right hand. Historically, dealing with the right had significance, as many tools and daily activities were organized around the use of the dominant hand, which is usually the right for most people. In the kanji 「右」, although not directly visible, the right hand is implicitly represented, reinforcing its etymological connection to manual actions.

Historically, the kanji writing came from China, and the character used for "right" originated from the pinyin "yòu". When Japan adopted the Chinese writing system, many of these characters began to be read differently, giving rise to the current sound in Japanese, which in this case is "migi". In ancient Japan, the right side was associated with positive and sometimes sacred aspects, differentiating it from the left side. This cultural distinction continues to this day in various societies, where the idea of "right" is often linked to the concept of correctness or being right.

In contemporary Japanese usage, "migi" is not restricted to its literal meaning. The right can appear in metaphors, influencing idiomatic expressions and even a way of viewing certain social and cultural aspects. This reflects the various ways in which the word integrates into the language and culture of Japan, transcending its simple role as a direction indicator.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 右側 (migi-gawa) - right side
• 右手 (migite) - Another expression for right hand
• 右方向 (migi hōkō) - Turn right
• 右翼 (uyoku) - Far-right (political or directional)
• 右脇 (migi waki) - Right side of the body
• 右方 (migi hō) - Right direction, more common in geographical contexts
• 右舷 (migi gen) - Right side of a ship or vessel
• 右手側 (migite-gawa) - right hand side
• 右方位 (migi hōi) - Orientation to the right side
• 右側部分 (migi gawa bubun) - Right part of something
• 右方向へ (migi hōkō e) - To the right
• 右側に (migi gawa ni) - On the right side
• 右側へ (migi gawa e) - To the right
• 右側にある (migi gawa ni aru) - It is on the right side.
• 右側の (migi gawa no) - On the right side (descriptive expression)
• 右側の方 (migi gawa no hō) - Direction to the right
• 右側の人 (migi gawa no hito) - Person on the right side
• 右側の席 (migi gawa no seki) - Seat on the right side
• 右側の道 (migi gawa no michi) - Right side path
• 右側の車線 (migi gawa no shasen) - Right lane on the road
• 右側の窓 (migi gawa no mado) - Right side window
• 右側の壁 (migi gawa no kabe) - Right side wall
• 右側の扉 (migi gawa no tobira) - Door on the right side
• 右側の隣 (migi gawa no tonari) - Neighbor on the right side
• 右側の角 (migi gawa no kado) - Song on the right side
• 右側の手すり (migi gawa no tesuri) - Handrail on the right side
• 右側の駐車場 (migi gawa no chūshajō) - Parking on the right side

右

Romaji: migi
Kana: みぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: right hand side

Meaning in English: right hand side

Definition: The direction opposite to the left.

Example Sentences - (右) migi

See below some example sentences:

右に曲がってください。

Migi ni magatte kudasai

Turn right, please.

Please turn right.

• 右 - means "right" in Japanese.
• に - is a particle that indicates the direction in which the action should be performed.
• 曲がって - is the verb "to bend" conjugated in the imperative, indicating that the action must be carried out.
• ください - is a polite expression that means "please", indicating that the action is a request.

交差点で右に曲がってください。

Kousaten de migi ni magatte kudasai

Please turn right at the intersection.

Turn right at the intersection.

• 交差点 - means "crossing" in Japanese.
• で - is a particle that indicates the place where the action takes place, in this case, "at the intersection".
• 右に - means "to the right" in Japanese.
• 曲がって - is the verb "curver" in the present tense and in the form -te, which indicates a continuous action.
• ください - is a polite way of asking for something in Japanese, in this case, "please turn to the right."

左右を見てから行動してください。

Sayuu wo mite kara koudou shite kudasai

Por favor, olhe para a esquerda e para a direita antes de agir.

Please act after looking left and right.

• 左右を見て - look left and right
• から - Later
• 行動してください - take action