Video
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Navigation & Directions
Asking for directions in English isn't just about knowing "turn left" and "turn right." It's about using the right opener, understanding landmarks and distance expressions the way native speakers actually use them, and — crucially — knowing what to say when you only catch half the answer. This lesson gives you a practical, ready-to-use toolkit for navigating any English-speaking city with confidence....
Asking for directions in English isn't just about knowing "turn left" and "turn right." It's about using the right opener, understanding landmarks and distance expressions the way native speakers actually use them, and — crucially — knowing what to say when you only catch half the answer. This lesson gives you a practical, ready-to-use toolkit for navigating any English-speaking city with confidence.
Pronunciation
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Conversation
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Key Points
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Key Phrases:
- “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to…?” — Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire comment aller à…?
- “I’m looking for…” — Je cherche…
- “Is this the right way to…?” — Est-ce que c’est bien le chemin pour…?
- “I think I’m a bit lost.” — Je crois que je me suis un peu perdu(e).
- “Go straight / Carry on straight ahead” — Allez tout droit
- “Turn left / right at the traffic lights” — Tournez à gauche / droite au feu rouge
- “Go past [landmark]” — Passez devant / dépassez
- “It’s about a ten-minute walk.” — C’est à environ dix minutes à pied.
- “Could you repeat that, please?” — Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?
- “So just to confirm — I go straight, then…?” — Donc, pour confirmer — je vais tout droit, puis…?
Quick Rules:
- Always open with “Excuse me” — skipping it sounds blunt in English
- Use “I’m looking for…” not “I want…” — it’s softer and more natural
- Confirm the route before walking away — every single time
- “Opposite” and “next to” are more natural than “in front of”
- Distance in English = time, not meters: “a five-minute walk”, not “200 metres”
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