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November 30, 2021 by Sofía Godoy Spanish Vocabulary 0 comments

A Vocabulary Guide to Giving Directions in Spanish

Mastering direction words in Spanish is key to making your travels go smoothly. Even when you rely on maps or your phone, nothing beats the art of conversation! Being able to ask for and give directions in Spanish saves you the hassle of getting lost or wandering around unknown places. 

Read this blog post to know what to do if you get lost and learn essential direction words in Spanish. This insightful lesson also includes audio examples for you to take your new vocabulary for a spin. 

Keep reading for a resourceful and complete vocabulary guide to giving directions in Spanish. 

3 Reasons To Learn Direction Words in Spanish

directions in Spanish

If you’re set on taking a Spanish immersion trip, understanding native speakers when you ask for directions in Spanish makes it easier and carefree to explore any country. 

Pedir indicaciones o direcciones (asking for directions) is a perfectly normal thing. Even with the best GPS, nothing beats human interaction and expertise. Let’s examine the top 3 reasons in detail. 

1. Independence

You feel empowered to move around on your own. This means you have the confidence to venture to discover new places and sites of interest. If you ever get lost, you’ll understand the friendly souls who are willing to give you a hand. 

2. Conversation Starter

Using direction words in Spanish can start a conversation, and who knows where that may lead you! Some people even find new friendships when getting directions. 

3. Enhance Your Fluency

Getting directions in Spanish from locals supports your listening skills and pronunciation. You become familiarized with the language and begin to use it intuitively as native speakers do.

How To Approach People

People in Spanish-speaking countries tend to have a warm and welcoming nature. Speaking to someone for directions in Spanish requires you to have a friendly and polite approach. 

chart

Asking Where Something Is Located

Knowing how to ask where something is located, or in what part of town you may find it; is basic for finding landmarks or even finding your way back to your hotel.

Use this list of phrases and direction words in Spanish to ask where something is. 

chart

Example Sentences in Spanish

Estoy buscando un restaurante.
I’m looking for a restaurant.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar una farmacia?
Where can I find a pharmacy?

¿Dónde están las escaleras?
Where are the stairs?

¿Sabe donde hay una parada de bus?
Do you know where there is a bus stop?

¿Dónde queda el museo de historia?
Where is the history museum?

directions in Spanish

Start planning an unforgettable adventure with this list of 15 Extraordinary Museums to Visit on Your Next Trip to Mexico City. 

How To Ask for Directions in Spanish

By combining the two previous vocabulary tables with direction words in Spanish, you’ll be able to ask for specific directions and form sentences. 

Example Sentences in Spanish

Disculpe, estoy buscando la parada de metro más cercana.
Excuse me, I’m looking for the nearest metro stop. 

Hola, ¿me podría ayudar por favor? ¿Dónde queda la catedral?
Hi, can you help me please? Where is the cathedral?

Buenos días ¿dónde está la taquilla?
Good morning, where is the ticket booth?

¿Cómo puedo llegar al parque?
How can I get to the park?

¿Sabe si está por aquí el mercado?
Do you know if the market is around here?

¿Dónde puedo tomar el bus por aquí?
Where can I take a bus around here?

¿Hay algún hospital acá cerca?
Is there a hospital near here?

¿Cual es la mejor forma de llegar al zoológico?
What’s the best way to get to the zoo?

directions in Spanish

Getting Directions in Spanish

Now that you’ve covered how to ask the questions, it’s time to learn how to interpret the answers and directions in Spanish you’re given.

When asking for directions in Spanish, some people will respond with specific instructions for you to follow. Let’s examine direction words in Spanish you may hear.

Direction Words in Spanish: Prepositions

EnglishSpanish
across from, in front ofenfrente de
aten
behinddetrás de
between theen medio de
farlejos
fromdesde
insideadentro, dentro
nearcerca
next tojunto a, al lado de
on the corner ofen la esquina de
outsideafuera, fuera
straight aheadderecho, recto
to the left ofa la izquierda de
to the right ofa la derecha de
untilhasta

Direction Words in Spanish: Locations

EnglishSpanish
avenuela avenida
blockla cuadra
cornerla esquina
easteste
northnorte
roundaboutla glorieta, el redondel
sidewalkla banqueta
signel rótulo
southnorth
streetla calle
traffic lightel semáforo
westoeste

Example Sentences in Spanish

La tienda de zapatos está en el centro comercial.
The shoe store is in the mall. 

El museo de arte está detrás de la iglesia.
The art museum is behind the church.

La lavandería está en medio del supermercado y la farmacia.
The laundry mat is between the supermarket and the pharmacy.

La plaza central queda lejos de aquí.
The central square is far from here.

Desde aquí son dos cuadras caminando.
From here it’s two blocks walking. 

El hotel está en la esquina de la quinta avenida.
The hotel is on the corner of fifth avenue. 

Puedes encontrar taxis fuera del aeropuerto.
You can find taxis outside the airport. 

Debes seguir caminando hasta el semáforo.
You have to keep walking until the traffic light. 

Ese vecindario está en el norte de la ciudad.
That neighborhood is north of town. 

Spanish example

Direction Words in Spanish: Verbs and Actions

EnglishSpanish
continuesigue
driveconduce
enterentra
go (formal)vaya
go (informal)ve
go downbaja
go outsal
go upsube
keep straightsigue derecho
pass bypasa por
take thetoma el
turn right, turn leftgira a la derecha, gira a la izquierda
walkcamina

Example Sentences in Spanish

Conduce dos kilómetros y verás la salida en la glorieta.
Drive two kilometers and you’ll see the exit at the roundabout. 

Mejor ve caminando, está cerca.
Better go walking, it’s close.

Sal a la calle y podrás ver el rótulo.
Go out to the street and you’ll see the sign.

Sube al piso cinco en el elevador.
Go up the fifth floor on the elevator.

Sigue derecho en esta cuadra, está aquí nomás.
Keep straight on this block, it’s just there.

Toma el metro y bajate en Sagrera.
Take the subway and get off at Sagrera.

Gira a la izquierda en la próxima calle.
Turn left on the next street.

Camina tres cuadras y vas a encontrar el hotel.
Walk three blocks and you’ll find the hotel.

Make the most of your stay with this amusing Traveler’s Guide to Hotel Vocabulary in Spanish. 

Other Useful Phrases

If you can’t understand or are struggling, try to be more specific and ask extra questions. Use these phrases for extra support when asking for directions in Spanish.

Example Sentences in Spanish

Perdone, puede hablar más despacio por favor.
Excuse me, can you speak slower please.

¿Lo puedes repetir por favor?
Can you repeat that please?

¿Me puedes enseñar en el mapa por favor?
Can you show me on the map please?

Disculpe, no entendí bien.
I’m sorry, I can’t understand well. 

¿Como?
Come again?

directions in Spanish

Speaking Spanish Is the Key

You’re headed in the right direction toward becoming a fluent Spanish speaker! Once you master these direction words in Spanish, you’re ready to take on any Latin American travel destination or conquer Spain! 

Sign up for a free trial class with our certified teachers from Guatemala and practice conversation with a native speaker. They’ll teach you all sorts of useful vocabulary and Spanish idioms for you to use on your Spanish immersion trip.

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages around the world. According to CNN, there are around 41 million active speakers in the United States alone. By deciding to become bilingual, you expand your communication possibilities to a whole new level.

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Ready to learn more Spanish vocabulary? Check these out!

  • A-Z: Beginner Spanish Word Lists for Kids + Free Flashcards
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  • How To Introduce Yourself in Spanish
  • 100+ Basic Spanish Words and Phrases for Travelers
  • The Sweetest Guide to Valentine’s Day Vocabulary in Spanish
  • An Easy Vocabulary Guide to Describe the Post Office in Spanish
  • The Practical Guide to Math Vocabulary in Spanish
  • 20 Ways to Say ‘Hot’ in Spanish
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Sofía Godoy
Sofía Godoy
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
Native speaker of English and Spanish, I’m a sustainable travel and social impact entrepreneur who loves going to new places and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors with my dogs. Writing, communicating, and creating are my passions. I strongly believe there are more creative ways to solve the issues our world is facing and I like doing my part in any way I can.
Sofía Godoy
Latest posts by Sofía Godoy (see all)
  • 29 Cool and Catchy Spanish Phrases To Use With Friends [+Audio] - January 8, 2023
  • A Fun Kids’ Guide to Opposites in Spanish (Free Lesson and Activities) - December 29, 2022
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