Asking for Directions

When you want to find a place, start with a polite way to get someone’s attention, like excuse me. After that, you can ask specific questions about how to reach your destination.

• Excuse me, how do I get to the bank?
• Excuse me, where is the hospital?
• How long does it take to get to the library?
• How far is the museum from here?
• Where is the nearest restaurant?

Giving Directions

To help someone find a place, use clear and simple phrases. Mention which way to go and use references to street features or common places.

• Go straight until you see the supermarket.
• Turn left at the corner.
• The park is next to the school.
• The station is between the bank and the restaurant.
• Go down this street and the library is on your right.
• The hospital is near the intersection.
• Walk up the road, and the museum will be on your left.
• If you see the traffic lights, the restaurant is just ahead.
• The crosswalk is just before the intersection; cross there and the supermarket is right behind it.

Common Places

People often ask about directions to useful or popular locations:

• bank
• hospital
• library
• museum
• park
• restaurant
• school
• station
• supermarket

Common Street Features

When explaining where to go, use street features to orient the person:

• corner (where two streets meet)
• crosswalk (where you can cross the street)
• intersection (where roads cross each other)
• light or traffic signal (controls traffic at intersections)
• road / street (the way cars and people travel)

Examples

• Go straight until you reach the intersection, then turn right.
• The library is next to the school, on the left side of the road.
• Walk down the street, pass the bank, and you will see the museum ahead.
• Cross at the crosswalk near the traffic lights, then the park will be on your right.