Asking and Giving Directions in Spanish

Romanic language originating in the Iberian Peninsula.

Being able to ask for and give directions is a fundamental skill when learning a new language. This unit will guide you through the necessary vocabulary and phrases used in Spanish to ask for and give directions.

Vocabulary Related to Locations and Directions

First, let's start with some basic vocabulary:

• Street: Calle
• Avenue: Avenida
• Corner: Esquina
• Traffic light: Semáforo
• Roundabout: Rotonda
• Bridge: Puente
• Square: Plaza
• Building: Edificio
• Right: Derecha
• Left: Izquierda
• Straight ahead: Todo recto
• Next to: Al lado de
• Near: Cerca de
• Far: Lejos de

Asking for Directions

When asking for directions, you can use the following phrases:

• ¿Dónde está...? (Where is...?)
• ¿Cómo llego a...? (How do I get to...?)
• ¿Puede decirme cómo llegar a...? (Can you tell me how to get to...?)
• ¿Está lejos? (Is it far?)

Giving Directions

When giving directions, you can use the following phrases:

• Gire a la derecha/izquierda. (Turn right/left.)
• Siga todo recto. (Go straight ahead.)
• Tome la primera/segunda/tercera calle a la derecha/izquierda. (Take the first/second/third street on the right/left.)
• Está al lado de... (It's next to...)
• Está cerca de... (It's near...)
• Está lejos de... (It's far from...)

Using Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are important when giving directions. Here are some examples:

• Al lado de (next to)
• Cerca de (near)
• Lejos de (far from)
• Enfrente de (in front of)
• Detrás de (behind)
• Entre (between)

By the end of this unit, you should be able to confidently ask for and give directions in Spanish. Remember, practice is key, so try to use these new phrases and vocabulary as much as possible.