Asking for and Giving Directions
Master the essential language skills for navigating buildings and towns
Asking for Directions
Polite Ways to Ask
Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to…?
The most polite and commonly used phrase for asking directions.
The most polite and commonly used phrase for asking directions.
Do you know where… is?
A friendly, informal way to ask for directions.
A friendly, informal way to ask for directions.
I’m looking for… Could you help me?
Shows you need assistance finding a specific location.
Shows you need assistance finding a specific location.
Which way is…?
A quick, direct way to ask for general direction.
A quick, direct way to ask for general direction.
Example: “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the conference room?”
In a Building
Where can I find the restrooms?
Is the cafeteria on this floor?
How do I get to the third floor?
Is the cafeteria on this floor?
How do I get to the third floor?
In a Town or City
How far is it to the train station?
Is there a pharmacy near here?
What’s the best way to get to Main Street?
Is there a pharmacy near here?
What’s the best way to get to Main Street?
Giving Directions
Basic Direction Words
Go straight — Continue in the same direction
Turn left/right — Change direction 90 degrees
Go past — Continue beyond a landmark
It’s on your left/right — Location relative to you
Turn left/right — Change direction 90 degrees
Go past — Continue beyond a landmark
It’s on your left/right — Location relative to you
In a Building
Take the elevator/stairs to the second floor.
Go down the hallway and it’s the third door on your right.
It’s at the end of the corridor.
You’ll see it right across from the reception desk.
Go down the hallway and it’s the third door on your right.
It’s at the end of the corridor.
You’ll see it right across from the reception desk.
Full Example: “To get to the meeting room, take the elevator to the fourth floor. When you exit, turn right and go straight down the hallway. The meeting room is the second door on your left, right next to the water fountain.”
In a Town or City
Walk two blocks and turn left at the traffic light.
Cross the street and you’ll see it on the corner.
Keep going until you reach the park.
It’s about a five-minute walk from here.
Cross the street and you’ll see it on the corner.
Keep going until you reach the park.
It’s about a five-minute walk from here.
Full Example: “To get to the museum, walk straight down this street for about three blocks. When you reach the big church, turn right. Go past the coffee shop and the museum will be on your left. You can’t miss it – it has a blue entrance.”
💡 Pro Tip: When giving directions, use landmarks (buildings, shops, distinctive features) to help the person recognize they’re going the right way. Also, always offer to repeat the directions if needed!
Useful Phrases for Clarification
Sorry, could you repeat that?
Did you say left or right?
Is it far from here?
How long will it take to walk there?
Can I walk there or should I take a taxi?
Did you say left or right?
Is it far from here?
How long will it take to walk there?
Can I walk there or should I take a taxi?
📝 Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Answer the following questions to check your understanding of asking for and giving directions.
1. Which phrase is the most polite way to ask for directions?
2. Complete the direction: “Walk straight for two blocks, then ___ at the traffic light.”
3. Someone says: “Take the elevator to the third floor and it’s the second door on your left.” Where are you?
4. What does “go past the coffee shop” mean?
5. Which question asks about distance?
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