Spanish Directions Guide: Vocabulary, Phrases & Examples

Learning how to ask for and understand directions in Spanish turns every trip into an easy chance to talk to people. Instead of relying on maps or guesswork, asking for directions gives you an effortless reason to start a conversation with people in Spanish-speaking places, who often respond with friendliness and guidance. It becomes one of the simplest ways to practise real Spanish, even when you already know where you are going. Direction vocabulary appears everywhere in daily life, and mastering it builds confidence and opens the door to more natural, relaxed interactions in the street, in shops, and on public transport. This guide walks through the essential words, phrases, and patterns needed to navigate Spanish-speaking environments with ease. The tone stays simple and practical, focusing on clear examples and avoiding overly technical explanations, making it ideal for beginners and for teachers preparing lessons.

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Essential Spanish Vocabulary for Directions

Spanish uses a mix of everyday nouns, verbs, and prepositions to describe movement and location. These words form the backbone of all direction-related expressions, so learners benefit from seeing them in clear categories.

Movement Verbs in Spanish (ir, seguir, girar)

The two most common movement verbs used when giving directions in Spanish are “ir,” meaning “to go,” and “seguir,” meaning “to continue,” because they appear in almost every instruction someone gives on the street.

These verbs describe the action someone takes while moving through a city or neighbourhood:

• ir – to go
• venir – to come
• seguir – to continue / to follow
• girar / doblar – to turn
• cruzar – to cross
• caminar / andar – to walk
• subir – to go up
• bajar – to go down

Each verb appears constantly in real conversations, especially when locals give short, direct instructions like “Sigue derecho” (“Keep going straight”) or “Dobla a la izquierda” (“Turn left”).

Spanish Nouns for Locations and Landmarks

Learners often rely on visual clues when listening to directions, so knowing these terms helps them interpret Spanish instructions more quickly:

• calle – street
• esquina – corner
• cuadra / manzana – block (varies by region; “cuadra” in Latin America, “manzana” in Spain)
• semáforo – traffic light
• cruce / intersección – intersection
• avenida – avenue
• rotonda / glorieta – roundabout
• estación – station
• la parada – bus stop
• el puente – bridge

These nouns help students mentally “paint” the map in their heads as they listen.

Spanish Prepositions for Directions

Spanish prepositions are critical in direction-giving, and many differ from English usage. These are the most common:

• a la derecha – to the right
• a la izquierda – to the left
• cerca de – near
• lejos de – far from
• enfrente de – in front of
• al lado de – next to
• antes de – before
• después de – after
• entre – between
• hasta – until / up to

What Are the Most Common Direction Phrases in Spanish?

The two most common ways to give directions in Spanish are “todo recto,” meaning “straight ahead,” and “gira a la derecha,” meaning “turn right,” because locals rely on these simple commands in everyday conversations.

Locals usually give directions in short, simple phrases. These are the expressions learners will hear most often across Spanish-speaking countries, using a neutral Latin American variety.

Basic Commands for Giving Directions in Spanish

• “Todo recto.” – “Straight ahead.”
• “Gira a la derecha.” – “Turn right.”
• “Gira a la izquierda.” – “Turn left.”
• “Es la segunda calle.” – “It’s the second street.”
• “Sigue hasta el semáforo.” – “Go until the traffic light.”
• “Vas a ver una plaza.” – “You’ll see a square.”
• “Está enfrente de la farmacia.” – “It’s in front of the pharmacy.”
• “Queda cerca / queda lejos.” – “It’s close / it’s far.”
• “Sube por esta calle.” – “Go up this street.”
• “Baja hasta el río.” – “Go down until the river.”

How to Ask for Clarification in Spanish

• “¿Cómo dijo?” – “What did you say?” (polite)
• “¿Me lo repite?” – “Could you repeat that?” (polite)
• “¿Es por aquí?” – “Is it this way?”
• “¿Cuántas calles son?” – “How many streets is it?”
• “¿Está cerca?” – “Is it nearby?”

These reflect the phrasing Spanish speakers naturally use without regional slang.

How to Ask for Directions in Spanish Naturally

The most natural way to ask for directions in Spanish is ‘¿Dónde queda…?’ which literally means ‘Where is it located…?’ This phrase is universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries, and it can take you very far.

Here are some simple phrases in neutral Latin American Spanish you can use to ask for directions.

Informal Ways to Ask for Directions

• “¿Dónde queda…?” – “Where is…?”
• “¿Cómo llego a…?” – “How do I get to…?”
• “¿Por dónde se va a…?” – “Which way do you go to…?”
• “¿Esta calle va hacia…?” – “Does this street lead toward…?”
• “¿Hay una parada cerca?” – “Is there a bus stop nearby?”
• “¿Me puede ayudar a encontrar el camino?” – “Could you help me find the way?”

Polite and Formal Direction Questions

• “Disculpe, ¿podría decirme cómo llegar a…?” – “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to…?”
• “Perdón, ¿sabe dónde queda…?” – “Excuse me, do you know where… is?”
• “¿Podría indicarme la dirección de…?” – “Could you show me the way to…?”

Spanish Direction Dialogues with English Translations

Seeing directions in action helps learners understand how short, natural Spanish exchanges really sound. These dialogues reflect everyday situations: asking for help on the street, confirming instructions, and reacting politely.

Dialogue 1: Asking for Directions on the Street

Learner:
 Disculpe, ¿cómo llego a la estación de autobuses?
 (Excuse me, how do I get to the bus station?)

Local:
 Todo recto. Gira a la izquierda en la segunda calle y sigue hasta el semáforo.
 (Straight ahead. Turn left on the second street and continue until the traffic light.)

Learner:
 ¿Está muy lejos?
 (Is it very far?)

Local:
 No, queda cerca. Son como tres minutos caminando.
 (No, it’s close. About three minutes walking.)

Dialogue 2: How to Confirm You Understood Directions

Learner:
 Perdón, ¿es por aquí?
 (Sorry, is it this way?)

Local:
 Sí, sigue por esta calle y después gira a la derecha.
 (Yes, go down this street and then turn right.)

Learner:
 ¿Me lo repite, por favor?
 (Could you repeat that, please?)

Local:
 Claro. Recto hasta la esquina, y luego a la derecha.
 (Sure. Straight to the corner, and then right.)

Dialogue 3: How to Find Nearby Landmarks in Spanish

Learner:
 ¿Hay un cajero automático cerca?
 (Is there an ATM nearby?)

Local:
 Sí, está enfrente del supermercado. Cruce la calle y lo va a ver.
 (Yes, it’s in front of the supermarket. Cross the street and you’ll see it.)

Learner:
 Muchas gracias.
 (Thank you very much.)

Local:
 De nada.
 (You’re welcome.)

Common Mistakes When Asking for Directions in Spanish (and How to Fix Them)

English speakers tend to make predictable errors when giving or asking for directions in Spanish. Correcting these early helps learners sound natural and avoid misunderstandings.

Mistake 1: Overusing overly formal textbook phrases

Beginners often use long, unnatural questions like:
✘ “¿Sería usted tan amable de indicarme la localización exacta de…?”

This sounds stiff and unusual in everyday life.

Use instead:
 ✓ “¿Cómo llego a…?” – “How do I get to…?”
✓ “¿Dónde queda…?” – “Where is…?”

Short, polite, and widely understood.

Mistake 2: Confusing “calle,” “cuadra,” and “esquina”

Learners sometimes translate directly from English:

✘ “How many streets?” → becomes → “¿Cuántas calles?”
 But in Spanish, the idea is expressed with cuadras (“blocks”).

Correct version:
 ✓ “¿Cuántas cuadras son?” – “How many blocks is it?”

(Note: “cuadra” is widely used across Latin America and is the most neutral choice.)

Mistake 3: Forgetting prepositions of place

Sentences like:
✘ “Está la farmacia la plaza.”

are missing key prepositions.

Correct versions:
✓ “Está frente a la plaza.” – “It’s across from the square.”
✓ “Se encuentra al lado de la farmacia.” – “It’s next to the pharmacy.”
✓ “Está entre el banco y la tienda.” – “It’s between the bank and the shop.”

Mistake 4: Using the wrong verb for “keep going”

Many textbooks teach continuar, but it sounds too formal in daily conversations.

Use instead:
 ✓ “Sigue recto.” – “Keep going straight.”

Simple, clear, natural.

Navigation Tips for Travelers in Spanish-Speaking Countries

Understanding Spanish direction phrases makes traveling smoother, but small cultural habits help just as much. These tips prepare learners for real interactions in Spanish-speaking cities, towns, and rural areas.

1. Landmarks vs. Street Addresses

In many Spanish-speaking countries, locals rely on recognizable places rather than exact addresses.

You might hear:

• “Queda junto al supermercado.” – “It’s next to the supermarket.”
• “Está atrás de la iglesia.” – “It’s behind the church.”
• “Sigue hasta la plaza y pregunte ahí.” – “Go until the square and ask there.”

Learners should listen for buildings, shops, parks, or intersections.

2. The Importance of Asking Multiple People

Directions vary depending on who you ask. It’s common–and totally normal–to confirm instructions with someone else a block later.

3.  Reading Body Language and Gestures

People often point, draw imaginary maps in the air, or indicate distance with their hands. Watch body language as much as you listen.

4. Understanding Vague Distance Descriptions

Expressions like “queda cerca” (“it’s close”) or “es un ratito” (“it’s a little while”) may describe anything from 2 minutes to 15.

When in doubt, ask:

• “¿Cuántos minutos más o menos?”
  (“How many minutes, more or less?”)

5. Why You Shouldn’t Rely Only on GPS in Spanish-Speaking Areas

In some neighborhoods, towns and villages, GPS directions can be inaccurate or outdated. Locals often know better than the app.

6. Overcoming Anxiety When Asking for Directions

Travellers often hesitate before asking for help, yet a simple greeting and a polite question usually lead to a friendly response. People in many Spanish-speaking countries enjoy helping visitors and showing even a little Spanish increases that goodwill. A helpful tip is to confirm directions with a second person if the route feels unclear, since some locals give answers quickly to be polite even when unsure.

7. Understanding Formal vs Informal Grammar Markers

Spanish uses different command forms depending on whether you address someone as tú (informal) or usted (formal). Beginners hear gira or sigue in informal speech, while gire or siga appear in more formal situations or when speaking to someone older or in a professional context. Both forms express the same action, and recognising the pattern helps learners avoid confusion when hearing street directions delivered in different tones.

8. Understanding Regional Variations

Spanish-speaking regions use distinct second-person forms, which appear clearly in direction verbs. Countries like Spain and Mexico use tú forms such as gira, sigue, or dobla. Argentina and Uruguay rely on vos, producing forms like girá, seguí, or doblá, with the stress on the last syllable. These variations sound normal and natural in their respective regions, and recognising them helps travellers understand why directions may sound slightly different from one country to another.

 

Spanish Direction Vocabulary Chart

This quick-reference chart collects the most important words for navigating Spanish-speaking environments. It’s ideal for students and teachers who want an at-a-glance summary.

Category	Spanish Word	English Meaning
Movement Verbs	ir	to go
	venir	to come
	seguir	to continue / keep going
	girar	to turn
	cruzar	to cross
	caminar	to walk
	subir	to go up
	bajar	to go down
Places & Landmarks	calle	street
	avenida	avenue
	esquina	corner
	cuadra	block
	semáforo	traffic light
	rotonda	roundabout
	estación	station
	parada	bus stop
	puente	bridge
Prepositions & Location Words	a la derecha	to the right
	a la izquierda	to the left
	enfrente de	in front of
	al lado de	next to
	entre	between
	hasta	until / up to
	cerca de	near
	lejos de	far from

This chart makes it easy for Spanish learners to review before traveling or practising conversations.

Master Spanish Directions with Personalised Lessons with Native Teachers

Learning how to ask for and understand directions in Spanish is one of the most practical skills for any student. These phrases appear constantly in travel situations, everyday errands, and casual interactions with native speakers. Mastering them builds confidence, improves listening skills, and helps learners navigate Spanish-speaking environments with ease.

The best way to practise these expressions is through real conversation. When students interact with native Spanish speakers, they learn how directions sound at natural speed, how locals simplify instructions, and how gestures or landmarks become part of the explanation. This kind of practice is difficult to get from apps or textbooks alone.

At Language Trainers Australia, personalised Spanish lessons give learners the chance to focus on exactly what they need – whether it’s travel-focused Spanish, daily conversations, or building confidence speaking with locals. Each class adapts to the student’s level, goals, and preferred variety of Spanish, so progress feels natural and the language becomes easier to use in real life.

If you want to improve your Spanish through meaningful, practical conversations, personalised lessons are the most effective way to get there.

Connect with a native Spanish teacher, practise the expressions you’ve learned, and gain the confidence to navigate any Spanish-speaking place with ease.

FAQ About Directions in Spanish

1.    How do you say “Turn right” and “Turn left” in Spanish?

The most natural way to say “Turn right” in Spanish is “Gira a la derecha.” For “Turn left,” the equivalent expression is “Gira a la izquierda.” These forms sound neutral across Latin America and work perfectly in everyday situations. In more formal contexts, you may hear “Gire a la derecha” or “Gire a la izquierda,” but most people use the simpler version when giving quick instructions on the street.

2.    How do you say “Straight ahead” in Spanish?

Spanish speakers typically say “Todo recto” or “Sigue recto” when telling someone to continue straight. Both expressions are short, clear, and widely understood, making them the most common options for everyday directions.

3.    How do you ask “Where is…?” in Spanish?

The question “¿Dónde queda…?” is the most natural and widely used across Spanish-speaking countries. It fits with any type of place, whether you’re asking about a bus station, a museum, or a supermarket. It sounds more authentic in real conversations than overly formal textbook alternatives.

4.    How do you say “Is it nearby?” in Spanish?

To ask if something is close, you simply say “¿Está cerca?” Locals understand this immediately, and it’s often followed by an estimate such as “dos minutos” or “cinco minutos.” When you want a clearer idea of the distance, you can ask “¿Cuántos minutos más o menos?” which means “How many minutes, more or less?”

5.    Is Google Maps reliable in Spanish-speaking countries?

Google Maps is generally reliable in major cities, but there are areas—particularly in small towns, rural regions, or older neighbourhoods—where the app may be less accurate. Locals often know shortcuts, pedestrian routes, or updated street changes that digital maps don’t always reflect, so asking someone nearby often leads to better guidance.

6.    How do you tell someone to “Cross the street” in Spanish?

The standard phrase for “Cross the street” is “Cruza la calle.” When you need to be more precise, you can say “Cruza en el semáforo” (“Cross at the traffic light”). Both expressions are simple and widely understood, making them useful for any traveller navigating a Spanish-speaking city.

7.    What’s the difference between “calle” and “cuadra”?

A calle is a street itself, while a cuadra refers to the distance between two street corners. Travellers often hear phrases like “a dos cuadras” to describe walking distance, meaning “two blocks away.” Calle names the road you’re on, and cuadra gives you a sense of how far you need to walk to reach your destination.

8.    Why does bus terminology vary across Spanish-speaking countries?

Different regions developed their own transport systems and local slang over time, which created a mix of words for the same type of vehicle. Countries such as Mexico use camión, Argentina uses colectivo, Chile uses micro, and the Caribbean uses guagua. Each term reflects local history and everyday usage, which explains why the vocabulary shifts so much from place to place, even though all refer to public buses.