Directions

1. ¿Cómo llego a la Plaza Mayor?

   How do I get to the Plaza Mayor?

   Usage

   Used to ask for directions to a major square or landmark in Spain

   Grammar Note

   "Llegar" is to arrive/get to. Use "a + place". Swap destination: ¿Cómo llego al museo? (to the museum)

2. Gire a la derecha

   Turn right

   Usage

   Used when giving or receiving directions to turn right

   Grammar Note

   Also essential: "Gire a la izquierda" (turn left), "Siga todo recto" (go straight ahead)

3. Está a dos cuadras

   It's two blocks away

   Usage

   Used to describe distance in blocks — common throughout Latin America

   Grammar Note

   "Cuadra" (block) is common in Latin America. In Spain, "manzana" or "bloque" may be used instead

4. ¿Está lejos de aquí?

   Is it far from here?

   Usage

   Used to gauge whether a destination is within walking distance

   Grammar Note

   The opposite is "Está cerca de aquí" (it's close). Also useful: "¿Se puede ir a pie?" (Can we walk there?)

5. Tome el metro hasta la estación de Atocha

   Take the metro to Atocha station

   Usage

   Used to give transit directions via Madrid's metro system

   Grammar Note

   Swap transport: "Tome el autobús" (take the bus), "Tome un taxi" (take a taxi)

6. Está justo enfrente

   It's right across the street

   Usage

   Simple phrase to indicate something is directly across from you

   Grammar Note

   Combine with "de": "enfrente de la catedral" (across from the cathedral) for more specifics

7. Perdone, me he perdido

   Excuse me, I'm lost

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention when you're lost and need help

   Grammar Note

   "Perderse" is to get lost. Present perfect form. Also common: "Estoy perdido/a" (I am lost, present)

8. ¿Puede señalármelo en el mapa?

   Can you point it out on the map?

   Usage

   Used when verbal directions are unclear and you need someone to point on a map

   Grammar Note

   "Señalármelo" combines señalar + me + lo (point it out to me). Show a map app while asking this

9. ¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda a pie?

   How long does it take on foot?

   Usage

   Used to estimate walking time to a destination

   Grammar Note

   Impersonal "se tarda" (from tardar, to take time) means "it takes". Swap: "en coche" (by car), "en metro" (by metro)

10. Está a la vuelta de la esquina

    It's just around the corner

    Usage

    Used to indicate something is very close, just past the nearest corner

    Grammar Note

    "A la vuelta de la esquina" is an idiom meaning "very close by". Pair with "Doble la esquina" (turn the corner)

11. la derecha

    Right

    Usage

    One word for direction in a taxi or on the street; "a la derecha" means "to the right"

12. la izquierda

    Left

    Usage

    One word for direction; "a la izquierda" means "to the left"

13. todo recto

    Straight ahead

    Usage

    The Spanish form; Latin America says "todo derecho" or "de frente". "Derecho" is avoided here because it clashes with "derecha" (right)

14. Dé la vuelta

    Turn around

    Usage

    Show it to a driver who has gone too far; readable at a glance while moving

15. Pare

    Stop

    Usage

    "Pare aquí" means "stop here"; Mexican road signs use "ALTO" instead

16. el norte

    North

    Usage

    For matching compass directions on maps and signboards

17. el sur

    South

    Usage

    For matching compass directions on maps and signboards

18. el este

    East

    Usage

    For matching compass directions on maps and signboards

19. el oeste

    West

    Usage

    For matching compass directions on maps and signboards

20. la parada de autobús

    Bus stop

    Usage

    Mexico says "parada de camión", Argentina "parada de colectivo", the Caribbean "guagua"

21. el metro

    Subway

    Usage

    "Metro" almost everywhere; Buenos Aires calls it "subte"

22. el cajero automático

    ATM

    Usage

    Shown when asking where you can withdraw cash

23. la casa de cambio

    Currency exchange

    Usage

    The common Latin American term; Spain says "oficina de cambio" or "cambio de divisas"

24. la lavandería autoservicio

    Laundromat

    Usage

    "Lavandería" alone usually means a drop-off laundry service, so keep "autoservicio"

25. los aseos

    Restroom

    Usage

    Spanish signage says "aseos" or "servicios"; Latin America says "el baño"

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