Spanish Directions for Your Next Trip
This post includes:
- Infographic about directions in Spanish
- PDF Cheat Sheet from the topic of “Spanish for Travel”
- Interactive exercises
- Audios to correct your pronunciation
How to Ask for Directions and How to Understand Directions in Spanish So That You Don’t Get Lost While Travelling!
Are you planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country and you don’t speak the language? Then it’s probably better to learn some basic Spanish. You might be surprised by how many people will not understand or speak English.
You might think that all you need is your phone to translate, communicate and navigate through a foreign country. And you might be right in normal circumstances where your phone is the ideal travel partner for any occasion.
But what happens when you run out of battery, there’s no service, the place you were looking for is nowhere to be found, or you loose your sense of direction? There are many scenarios where you might need to ask for directions in Spanish during your trip.
Where or When Do You Need to Know Spanish Directions?
Maybe you are right where you’re supposed to be, but you can’t find the entrance. Or perhaps you have a paper map with you, but you’re lost now and you have no idea where you are on the map.
In these scenarios, you’d better be able to ask for the nearest bus stop or where to find a taxi to go home. Therefore, you need to know how to ask for, understand and give directions in Spanish.
Why Do You Need to Learn to Ask For, Understand, and Give Directions in Spanish?
Asking for understandable directions in Spanish is very important if you want someone to help you find something. It only makes sense if you know how to do both – how to ask for directions in Spanish and how to understand directions in Spanish.
Imagine you’re in a foreign Spanish-speaking country, and you need to find the nearest pharmacy. You might be able to ask where the nearest pharmacy is in Spanish, but unless you know how to give directions in Spanish, you probably won’t understand the directions that will be given to you.
But don’t worry, you found the right blog! We have put together for you the most useful phrases and vocabulary related to directions. It’s time to learn some directions in Spanish and prepare for your travel – without getting lost!
1. Asking for Directions in Spanish
Now it’s time to look at some helpful phrases and vocabulary to ask for directions in Spanish. Whether you plan to travel with your phone or a paper map, these translations might come in handy!
Learn how to approach people properly and how to ask for directions.
Also, look at the vocabulary related to common places and locations that you might want to find, the ones people might use to explain Spanish directions to you.
How to Approach People to Ask for Help
If you want someone to help you, show and explain where you have to go or where you will find something, you should adequately approach people.
So, if you want to ask locals for directions in Spanish, you might want to use a simple “Excuse me” or “Hello” before asking questions. Here are some greetings and phrases that will help you start conversations. Read our post “Greetings in Spanish and other Common Phrases for Daily Life” to learn more.
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-1-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Perdona / Disculpa – Excuse me?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Hola – Hello
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Buenos días – Good morning
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buenas-tardes.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/buenas-noches.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Buenas noches – Good evening (approximately after 9 pm)
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-7.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Tengo una pregunta – I have a question
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-8-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Tengo otra pregunta – I have another question
Directions are not always easy to follow, especially when the person giving the directions speaks a language you are not used to or too fast for your level. Usually, Spanish speakers talk quite quickly, so if you have trouble understanding them, ask them to repeat themselves or talk slower. Or even both!
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-9.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Qué? – What?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-10.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes repetir, por favor? – Can you repeat that, please?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-11.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes repetir más despacio, por favor? – Can you repeat that more slowly, please?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-12.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes hablar más despacio, por favor? – Can you please speak more slowly?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/directions-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Perdona / Disculpa, no entendí bien. ¿Lo puedes decir otra vez, por favor? – Sorry, I did not get it. Can you please say that again?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-14.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¡Despacio, por favor! – Slowly, please!
And don’t forget to say thank you after receiving your directions:
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-15.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Gracias – Thank you
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-16.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Muchas gracias– Thank you very much
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Directions-17.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Gracias por tu ayuda – Thank you for your help (informal)
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Directions-18.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Gracias por su ayuda – Thank you for your help (formal)
Useful tip:
If you ask for directions and are unsure whether you’ll understand everything or you’ll forget the directions, make sure to record the directions on your phone.
You can do that using voice messages or a recording app usually pre-installed on any smartphone. This way, you can listen to the directions multiple times, you can slow them down, and even look up the words you don’t understand.
Of course, this only makes sense if your phone still has a battery!
Useful Phrases
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-19-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está el/la…? – Where is the…?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-20-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde hay un/una…? – Where is a/an…?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-21.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Estoy buscando… – I am looking for…
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-22-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde puedo encontrar…? – Where can I find…?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/donde-esta.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Podrías decirme dónde está…? – Could you tell me where … is?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/como-llegar.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cómo llego a…? – How do I get to…?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-25.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es la mejor forma de ir a…? – What is the best way to go to…?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-26.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes decirme cómo llegar a…? – Can you give me directions to…?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-27.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Hay … cerca de aquí? – Is there … around here/ nearby?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-28.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”]¿Está cerca? – Is it near?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-29.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Está cerca de…? – Is it close to …?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/distancia.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿A qué distancia está…?/¿A cuánto está…? – How far is …?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-31.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Voy bien por aquí? – Is this the right way?
Helpful Phrases for Public Transportation
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-32.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Hay algún autobús que pase por allí? – Is there a bus that goes nearby?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-33.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? – Where is the next bus stop?
Here are some phrases you might want to use if you are looking for a certain place that you can’t find on your map or when you want to know where you are currently at:
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/donde-mapa.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Podrías señalarme dónde estamos en este mapa? – Could you show me where we are on this map?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/donde-esta-mapa.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes señalarme dónde está … en este mapa? – Can you show me where … is on this map?
[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Direction-36.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Estoy buscando cómo llegar a… ¿Me puedes mostrar en el mapa? – I am looking for directions to … Can you show me on the map?
Vocabulary of Common Places and Locations
Emergency
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
|
el hospital |
hospital |
|
la farmacia |
pharmacy |
|
la comisaría de policía / la estación de policía |
police station |
Public Transportation
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
|
la estación de autobuses |
bus station |
|
la parada de taxis |
taxi station |
|
la estación de tren |
train station |
General Places and Locations
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
|
el semáforo |
stoplight / traffic light |
|
el paso de peatones |
crosswalk |
|
la avenida |
avenue |
|
la calle |
street |
|
la autopista |
highway |
|
la carretera |
road |
|
la acera; la benqueta (México) |
sidewalk |
|
el camino |
way / path |
|
la rotonda |
roundabout |
|
el puente |
bridge |
|
la dirección (postal) |
address |
|
el barrio |
neighbourhood |
|
el apartamento |
apartment |
|
el hotel |
hotel |
|
la iglesia |
church |
|
el parque |
park |
|
la plaza |
square |
|
el mercado |
market |
|
el centro comercial |
shopping mall |
|
los grandes almacenes |
department store |
|
la tienda |
shop |
|
la escuela; el colegio |
school |
|
la universidad |
university |
|
el cine |
cinema |
|
el museo |
museum |
|
el teatro |
theater |
|
la biblioteca |
library |
|
el banco |
bank |
|
la cafetería |
cafeteria |
|
la panadería |
bakery |
|
la frutería |
fruit shop |
|
la pescadería |
fish shop |
|
el restaurante |
restaurant |
2. Understanding Directions
Now that you have learned how to ask for directions, it is essential to look at the topic of understanding directions. Here, you will most likely find the Spanish direction words you were looking for in the first place.
You will learn to describe the position of things or people in order to receive and give directions in Spanish. But why do you need to do this?
To understand Spanish directions, you must learn and practice giving them. Only when you know how to use the vocabulary and phrases of directions can you understand Spanish directions. After all, you are more likely to understand something once you have practiced it many times and are familiar with the vocabulary.
How Do You Receive and Give Information?
You might want first to know the four cardinal directions in Spanish – the directions found on a compass. After all, cardinal directions are the basics of roughly understanding where you are, where you want to go, and where you should go.
Learning some simple Spanish directions – prepositions, adverbs, and verbs- is also essential. Otherwise, you will not be able to understand where to go.
Imagine someone is giving you directions, but you only understand north, east, left, right, and straight. You would not know when or where to follow those directions. What happens when you don’t know the Spanish translation of verbs like turn, go, and walk? You would not be able to follow the directions.
Cardinal Directions
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
|
norte |
north |
|
este |
east |
|
sur |
south |
|
oeste |
west |
|
hacia el norte / este / sur / oeste |
to the north / east / south / west |
Directions, Prepositions and Adverbs
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
|
derecha |
right |
|
izquierda |
left |
|
a la derecha (de) |
on the right (of) |
|
a la izquierda (de) |
on the left (of) |
|
arriba |
up |
|
abajo |
down |
|
encima (de) |
on |
|
debajo (de) |
under |
|
fuera (de) |
out / outside |
|
dentro (de) |
in / inside |
|
detrás (de) |
behind |
|
al otro lado |
on the other side |
|
al final (de); al fondo (de) |
at the end of |
|
al principio (de); al comienzo (de) |
at the beginning of |
|
en la esquina |
at the corner |
|
enfrente (de) |
opposite |
|
delante (de) |
in front of |
|
entre ... y ... |
between ... and ... |
|
al lado (de) |
next to |
|
aquí |
here |
|
ahí |
there |
|
por ahí |
that way |
|
cerca (de) |
close / near |
|
lejos |
far away |
|
derecho |
straight |
|
todo recto |
straight on |
|
En |
at |
|
desde |
from |
|
hacia |
to |
|
hasta |
until |
|
próximo / próxima |
next |
|
primero / primera |
first |
|
segundo / segunda |
second |
|
tercero / tercera |
third |
Common Spanish Verbs Used for Giving Directions
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
|
girar; doblar; torcer |
to turn |
|
dar la vuelta |
to turn around |
|
girar a la derecha / izquierda |
to turn right / left |
|
parar; detenerse |
to stop |
|
cruzar; atravesar |
to cross |
|
caminar; andar |
to walk |
|
conducir; manejar |
to drive |
|
seguir |
to continue; to follow |
|
ir |
to go |
|
subir |
to go up |
|
bajar |
to go down |
|
salir |
to go out |
|
llegar |
to arrive |
|
entrar |
to enter |
|
coger (Spain only) |
to take |
|
pasar por |
to pass by |
|
dirigirse a (formal); tirar para (informal) |
to head towards |
3. What's Next?
We know these new phrases and vocabulary are a lot to remember!
If you don’t want to get lost on your next trip, you can download our PDF Cheat Sheet from the topic of “Spanish for Travel.” This way, you will always have essential vocabulary and phrases!
In the PDF, you will also find a section on asking for and receiving Spanish directions.
4. Practice
It is always important to practice what you have learned!
And don’t be shy to make mistakes or speak Spanish! The best way to learn phrases or vocabulary is by using them repeatedly until they become more natural. That way, you will be prepared for your next trip to a Spanish-speaking country – even if you get lost!
It might be helpful to learn how to give directions in Spanish while listening to our podcast. In this podcast episode, we talk about how to locate stores on the street in Spanish and how to ask for and give directions to a place in the city.
Listen to Our Podcast:
Directions in Spanish
Now it’s your time to practice!
Try to use the vocabulary and phrases you have learned today in the examples below to practice their use! That way, you’ll remember them quicker, you’ll feel more confident using them, and it’ll be more likely to understand them in a real-life situation.
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