Language/Spanish/Vocabulary/Asking-for-Directions

Spanish Vocabulary → Travel and Directions → Asking for Directions

As a Spanish language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I have encountered many students who struggle with asking for directions in Spanish. It can be intimidating to navigate a new place where the language and culture are unfamiliar. In this lesson, I will teach you the vocabulary and phrases needed to ask for directions and understand the responses given in Spanish.

Vocabulary

Before diving into the phrases and dialogues, let's first review some key vocabulary that will help you understand the directions you receive.

Spanish	Pronunciation	English
derecha	deh-REH-chah	right
izquierda	eez-KEY-er-dah	left
adelante	ah-deh-LAHN-teh	forward
detrás	deh-TRAHS	behind
cerca de	SER-kah deh	near
lejos de	LEH-hos deh	far from
aquí	ah-KEE	here
allí	ah-YEE	there
¿Dónde está?	DOHN-deh ehs-TAH?	Where is?

You can practice the pronunciation of these words by listening to a Spanish speaker or using language learning apps like Duolingo or Memrise.

Phrases

Now let's move on to some useful phrases for asking for directions and understanding responses.

To ask for directions:

• ¿Perdón, dónde está...? (Excuse me, where is...?)
• ¿Cómo llego a...? (How do I get to...?)
• ¿Dónde queda...? (Where is...located?)

Responses you may receive:

• Está a la derecha/izquierda. (It's on the right/left.)
• Siga derecho. (Go straight.)
• Está detrás/delante de... (It's behind/in front of...)
• Está cerca/lejos de aquí. (It's near/far from here.)
• Aquí está. (Here it is.)
• No sé. (I don't know.)

It is important to note that many Spanish speakers use gestures and landmarks when giving directions. They may use their hands to mimic turning or point out buildings or landmarks. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or repeat the directions back to them to ensure you understand.

Example Dialogue

Let's put these phrases into context with an example dialogue:

Maria: ¡Hola! ¿Perdón, dónde está la estación de metro? (Hello! Excuse me, where is the metro station?)

Pedro: Hola. Está a la derecha de esa plaza. (Hello. It's to the right of that square.)

Maria: ¿La plaza con la fuente? (The square with the fountain?)

Pedro: Sí, exacto. Siga derecho y la verá después de la fuente. (Yes, exactly. Go straight and you will see it after the fountain.)

Maria: ¡Muchas gracias! (Thank you very much!)

Pedro: De nada. Que tenga un buen día. (You're welcome. Have a nice day.)

Tips

- When asking for directions, it's always helpful to have a pen and paper to write down any street names or landmarks mentioned.

- Don't be afraid to use a map or a translation app to supplement your conversation.

- Use polite phrases like "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) to show respect and gratitude.

- Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when navigating a Spanish-speaking country.

Sources

• Travel vocabulary
• Spanish phrases

Table of Contents - Spanish Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Spanish

• The Spanish Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Nouns and Gender
• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Subject Pronouns

  ---

Verbs

• Present Tense Verbs
• Ser and Estar
• Reflexive Verbs

  ---

Adjectives

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Demonstrative Adjectives

  ---

Pronouns

• Direct Object Pronouns
• Indirect Object Pronouns

  ---

Common Words and Phrases

• Greetings and Salutations
• Numbers and Counting
• Days of the Week and Months of the Year

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Restaurant Phrases

  ---

Travel and Directions

• Asking for Directions
• Hotel Vocabulary

  ---

Spanish-Speaking Countries

• Spain: History and Culture
• Latin America: History and Culture

  ---

Celebrations and Festivals

• Día de los Muertos
• Cinco de Mayo

  ---

Hispanic Heritage Month

• Notable Hispanic Figures
• Hispanic Influence on Music and Dance