My very first Spanish lessons often left something to be desired. While knowing how to tell people your birthday and ask them about theirs is great and all, I didn’t find it all too easy to apply in real world situations. I’d like to give you some first lessons in Spanish that you can use right away, in class or while traveling.
First Lessons in Spanish: Asking For Directions
Important Vocabulary and Phrases:
1. Mapa: map
2. Izquierda: left
3. Derecha: right
4. Derecho: straight
5. Cuadra: block (Some countries will also use the word manzana)
6. Calle: street
7. Avenida: Avenue
8. Doblar or Girar: to turn
9. Lado: side
10. Llegar: arrive
11. Seguir: Continue (In this case meaning, continue this way, keep going, etc)
12. ¿Dónde está _________ ?: Where is ___________?
13. ¿Cómo llego a ____________ ?: How do I get to ___________?
14. ¿Me puedes mostrar en el mapa?: Can you show me on the map?
How to Use it
Let’s look at some sample interactions that give you a feel of not only asking questions, but understanding the answers.
Q: ¿Cómo llego al banco?
A: Camina derecho 2 cuadras, doblas a la izquierda, camina 3 cuadras más y el banco estará a la derecha.
How do I get to the bank?
Walk straight for 2 blocks, turn left, walk 3 blocks more and the bank will be on the right.
Q: ¿Dónde está el zoológico?
A: Sigue derecho hasta que llegas al Calle Rios y dobla a la derecha.
Where is the zoo?
Keep going straight until you get to Rios Street and turn right.
Q: ¿Dónde está la universidad?
A: Dobla a la izquierda en Avenida las Heras, camina 5 cuadras hasta que llegas a Avenida Ortiz. Dobla a la derecha, y camina 3 cuadras más.
Where is the University?
Turn left on Las Heras Avenue, walk 5 blocks until you get to Ortiz Avenue. Turn right and walk 3 more blocks.
When in doubt, grab the map
When all else fails, the phrase “¿Me puedes mostrar en el mapa?” usually takes care of the confusion. Personally, I have found that most people in Latin American countries and more than happy to give you directions. The only thing to watch out for is overly confident locals who think they know where you are going, but in reality are giving you terrible directions! Your best bet is to ask someone like a shop owner or bus driver, as they tend to know the terrain a bit better. Just be polite, speak clearly, and listen closely!
How to use this Spanish lesson in class
Go to Google Maps and zoom in an area. You can select a map of a city from Latin America or your local neighborhood. Hand a copy of the map to the students and ask them for directions from Point A to Point B. For example: ¿Cómo llego del Restaurante A al Hotel B?. Students should be able to answer you aloud using the vocabulary above. Be sure that when you print out the map, you have Google include important points of interest, for you to use as Point A and B!
Check out these other articles about Spanish Lessons.
