How to Say “Make a right” in Chinese
Getting around · HSK 2
"Make a right" in Chinese is 右转 (Yòu zhuǎn). 右转 mirrors 左转; it's the clean, map-app version. The colloquial alternative is 往右拐, with 拐 giving a more spoken, 'round the corner' feel.
Primary translation
右转
Yòu zhuǎn
Traditional: 右轉
Variants by register
Casual
往右拐
Wǎng yòu guǎi
When to use it
右转 mirrors 左转; it's the clean, map-app version. The colloquial alternative is 往右拐, with 拐 giving a more spoken, 'round the corner' feel. One cultural note: in China, 右转 at a red light is generally allowed unless a sign says otherwise (similar to US right-on-red), while in Taiwan it's strictly forbidden; useful if you're riding in a taxi and want to sound like you know the rules. When giving directions to a taxi driver, stack them cleanly: 前面右转,然后一直走 (turn right ahead, then go straight). Avoid mixing 右转 with 拐 in the same sentence; pick one register.
Example sentences
下一个路口右转。
Xià yī gè lùkǒu yòu zhuǎn.
Turn right at the next intersection.
师傅，前面右转。
Shīfu, qiánmiàn yòu zhuǎn.
Driver, turn right up ahead.
往右拐就是我家。
Wǎng yòu guǎi jiùshì wǒ jiā.
Turn right and that's my place.