Asking for Directions in English
Welcome to Hello English! If you’re walking around a US city and get lost, knowing how to ask for directions in English will help you find your way quickly and politely. This lesson gives you a realistic conversation and essential vocabulary for one of the most useful street-level interactions.
Watch this short, realistic conversation between a lost traveler and a local pedestrian. Perfect for listening practice!
Directions Conversation
Characters:
• Raj – the traveler
• Sophie – the local
Raj: Excuse me!
Sophie: Hi! Can I help you?
Raj: Yes, how do I get to City Hall?
Sophie: Go straight for two blocks.
Raj: Then?
Sophie: Turn left at the traffic light.
Raj: Is it far?
Sophie: Not really—about a 10-minute walk.
Raj: Do I pass a post office?
Sophie: Yes, it’s right before the turn.
Raj: Great!
Sophie: You’ll see the big clock tower.
Raj: Thank you so much!
Sophie: You’re welcome!
Raj: Have a nice day!
💡 This dialogue is perfect for audio or video practice! It’s set on a city sidewalk and uses short, clear sentences with practical direction terms like “go straight,” “turn left,” and “two blocks.” The pacing is natural and slow enough for beginners to follow and repeat confidently.
Essential Directions Vocabulary
Learn these key terms to ask and understand directions:
- Excuse me! – polite way to get someone’s attention
- How do I get to…? – standard way to ask for directions
- Go straight – walk forward without turning
- Turn left / right – change direction at a corner
- Two blocks – distance between two street intersections
- Traffic light – signal at a crosswalk
- Clock tower / post office – common landmarks
Other Useful Phrases
- “Is there a shortcut?”
- “Can you show me on the map?”
- “How far is it from here?”
- “Am I going the right way?”
Practice Tip
Practice saying “How do I get to City Hall?” and “Turn left at the traffic light”—these are the two most common direction phrases in US cities!
Why This Matters
Whether you’re:
• Exploring a new city on foot
• Trying to find a museum, hotel, or subway station
• Traveling without GPS or phone battery
…this conversation helps you ask for help politely and understand simple directions clearly.
Now you’re ready to ask for directions in English—confidently and without getting lost! Bookmark this guide, or try our interactive quiz to test your directions vocabulary.
Stay oriented and happy learning! 🗺️
