Asking and Giving Directions in Spanish
Google Maps is great until your phone dies, you're underground, or you're in a spot with no signal. Knowing how to ask for and understand directions in Spanish is one of those skills you don't think you need — until you really, really do.
Asking for Help
Before you launch into your question, start with a polite opener. Nobody wants to help the person who just walks up and barks "Where is the bathroom?"
Starting with "Disculpe" (formal) or "Perdona" (informal) before asking for directions makes a big difference. People are much more willing to help when you're polite.
Direction Words
These are the building blocks of any directions you'll hear. Memorize these and you'll be able to follow most instructions, even if you miss a few words in between.
Learn from Your Home Screen
Vocabito puts Spanish words on your Home Screen with pronunciation, example sentences, and audio — so you learn without even opening the app.
Giving Directions
If someone asks you for directions (and they will, once you start looking like you know what you're doing), here's how to point them in the right direction.
In Spain, people tend to say "gire" for turn, while in Latin America you'll hear "doble" more often. Both work fine everywhere — people will understand you either way.
Practice These Words in Vocabito
Flashcards, widgets, and daily reminders to make Spanish stick.
Distance and Landmarks
Directions almost always involve landmarks and distance. Nobody says "go 247 meters north" — they say "it's past the church, next to the pharmacy."
In Latin America, people give directions using "cuadras" (blocks) more than meters or minutes. In Spain, you'll hear distances in meters or walking time more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ask "Where is...?" in Spanish?
The most direct way is "¿Dónde está...?" followed by the place you're looking for. For example, "¿Dónde está la estación de metro?" (Where is the metro station?). You can also use "¿Cómo llego a...?" (How do I get to...?) for a more detailed answer.
What's the difference between "todo recto" and "todo derecho"?
Both mean "straight ahead" and are correct. "Todo recto" is more common in Spain, while "todo derecho" is more widely used in Latin America. You'll be understood either way.
How do you say "turn right" and "turn left" in Spanish?
Use "gire a la derecha" (turn right) and "gire a la izquierda" (turn left) in formal speech. In casual conversation, "doble a la derecha/izquierda" is more common in Latin America.
How do I understand directions if someone speaks too fast?
Ask "¿Puede repetir más despacio?" (Can you repeat that slower?). You can also ask "¿Me lo puede mostrar en el mapa?" (Can you show me on the map?) — most people are happy to pull out their phone and point.