You know how to ASK for directions, but what happens when an English speaker asks YOU for directions. This is not a time for small talk. Give only basic directions with short phrases. Do the best you can.
Questions you may hear你或许会听到的问题
How do I get to Main Street?
Where is the closest gas station?
Can you tell me where the community centre is?
Im looking for Jane Street.
Are you from around here?
If you know the way假如你了解路
Use basic English to offer directions. Short phrases are best. Speak slowly and use very careful pronunciation. Spell out a word if necessary.
The easiest way is to
The quickest way is to
The best way is to
go + direction
take + road name
turn + right/left
stay on + road name for + distance or time
Examples:
The easiest way is to go right on Commercial Avenue.
The quickest way is to take Road Number 1.
The best way is to turn right on Main Street.
Stay on Route 1 for about ten minutes.
Use transitions
Separate each leg of the route with a transition.
after that
then
next
when you get togo
finally
Offer Ballpark Figures
Some people feel better knowing how long it will take to get from A to B.
Its just around the corner .
Its not far.
Its a bit of a way.
Its about a five minute walk.
Its about a twenty minute bus ride.
Use landmarks
Tell the person what to watch for.
You will see a large clock on the right.
You will pass a gas station.
Its across from the blue church.
More useful language
Its on + street name
Its across from
Its opposite
Its near
Its around the corner from
Offer warnings
Stay in the right lane.
Its a very busy road.
Its a big hill.
There might be construction.
If you pass the you went too far.
Theres no parking.
Repeat yourself
If YOU repeat the directions again, the other person will feel more confident. Repeat important details including street names and turns. You can also ask the other person to repeat the directions back to you.
If you are in the car with the driver
Give a lot of warning.
Turn right at the next street
Get in the left lane.
Go one more block. Then turn right.
At the next traffic lights turn
Its going to be on your right.
Clarify
Make sure that the other person understood your directions. Say: Did you get all that?
If you dont know the way假如你不了解路
Dont guess! Dont just shake your head and walk away. Use one of these phrases:
Im sorry, Im not from here.
Im afraid I cant help you.
Sorry I dont know my way around here.
Offer another solution
You could ask the bus driver.
Ask the front desk clerk.
Follow me. Ill show you the way.
Do you want me to draw you a map?
