Lost in the City – Asking for Help
Welcome to Hello English! If you ever get lost while walking around a US city, knowing how to ask for help in English will get you back on track quickly and politely. This lesson “Lost in the City – Asking for Help” gives you a realistic conversation and essential vocabulary for one of the most common—and stressful—travel situations.
Watch this short, realistic conversation between a lost traveler and a helpful local. Perfect for listening practice!
City Help Conversation
Characters:
• Aisha – the lost traveler
• Mark – the local pedestrian
Aisha: Excuse me!
Mark: Hi! Can I help?
Aisha: Yes, I’m lost.
Mark: Where are you trying to go?
Aisha: To the subway station on 5th Avenue.
Mark: Oh, you’re close!
Aisha: Really?
Mark: Go straight, then turn right at the bank.
Aisha: The big gray building?
Mark: Yes! The station is right behind it.
Aisha: About how far?
Mark: Five minutes on foot.
Aisha: Thank you so much!
Mark: You’re welcome!
Aisha: Have a great day!
💡 This dialogue is perfect for audio or video practice! It’s set on a busy city sidewalk and uses short, clear sentences with practical terms like “I’m lost,” “5th Avenue,” and “turn right at the bank.” The pacing is calm and reassuring—ideal for beginners to follow and repeat with confidence.
Essential City Help Vocabulary
Learn these key terms to ask for help when lost:
- I’m lost – a simple, honest way to ask for help
- Where are you trying to go? – how locals respond to offer directions
- 5th Avenue – a numbered street (common in US cities like NYC)
- Go straight – continue walking forward
- Turn right at the bank – use landmarks for clarity
- You’re close! – reassuring phrase meaning “not far”
- Five minutes on foot – estimated walking time
Other Useful Phrases
- “Can you point me in the right direction?”
- “Is this the way to the museum?”
- “My phone died—can you help me?”
- “Do you know where the nearest subway is?”
Practice Tip
Practice saying “I’m lost” and “Where are you trying to go?”—these are the two most natural phrases to start a help conversation when you’re lost in a US city!
Why This Matters
Whether you’re:
• Exploring a new city without GPS
• Traveling with a dead phone battery
• Feeling overwhelmed in a busy downtown area
…this conversation helps you ask for help politely and get clear, actionable directions.
Now you’re ready to handle getting lost in English—calmly and confidently! Bookmark this guide, or try our interactive quiz to test your city navigation vocabulary.
Stay safe and happy learning! 🗺️
