When traveling, knowing how to ask for and understand directions is crucial. This page covers essential Spanish terms and phrases for directions, helping you navigate cities, streets, and landmarks with confidence.
Getting Around
- Calle: Street
- Avenida: Avenue
- Esquina: Corner
- Semáforo: Traffic light
- Cruce: Crosswalk/intersection
- Puente: Bridge
- Rotonda: Roundabout
Basic Directional Phrases
- ¿Cómo llego a...? — How do I get to...?
- ¿Dónde está...? — Where is...?
- Está cerca. — It’s close.
- Está lejos. — It’s far.
- Sigue recto. — Go straight.
- Gira a la derecha. — Turn right.
- Gira a la izquierda. — Turn left.
- Para en... — Stop at...
Landmarks & Points of Reference
- Banco: Bank
- Estación de tren/autobús: Train/bus station
- Hospital: Hospital
- Museo: Museum
- Iglesia: Church
- Parque: Park
- Escuela: School
Common Responses
- Sí, claro. — Yes, of course.
- No estoy seguro/a. — I’m not sure.
- Necesita un mapa. — You need a map.
- ¿Quiere que le acompañe? — Do you want me to go with you?
Spanish Directions in Context
| Spanish | English | Usage Example (Esp / Eng) |
|---|---|---|
| a la derecha | to the right | Gire a la derecha en el semáforo. / Turn right at the light. |
| a la izquierda | to the left | Tome la primera calle a la izquierda. / Take the first street on the left. |
| recto / derecho | straight ahead | Siga recto dos cuadras. / Go straight two blocks. |
| enfrente / delante | opposite / in front | El banco está enfrente de la iglesia. / The bank is opposite the church. |
| detrás | behind | El hotel está detrás del parque. / The hotel is behind the park. |
Exercises
- Match Spanish street terms to their English meanings.
- Write out directions to a friend's house using Spanish directional phrases.
- Translate a short dialogue asking for directions from Spanish to English.
Mastering Spanish directions empowers you to explore new destinations confidently, connect with locals, and avoid getting lost.
- Key vocabulary includes street names, landmarks, and common phrases.
- Practice with real-world scenarios to build fluency and understanding.
- Combine directions with cultural tips for a richer travel experience.