In this lesson, we will learn how to give directions and addresses in Spanish. In Spain, giving an address or directions involves a combination of specific details and general orientation. Addresses typically include the street name followed by the building number. In urban areas, you might also need to provide additional information like the apartment number or floor. When giving directions, Spaniards often use landmarks, such as plazas, shops, or notable buildings, in addition to street names.
Objectives:
- Understand the typical format for giving directions and addresses in Spanish. This includes essential details like street names and building numbers.
- Learn how to provide directions using both street names and landmarks. Such as plazas and notable buildings.
- Practice forming and interpreting addresses and directions through interactive examples.
- Gain confidence in navigating urban and rural areas in Spanish-speaking countries by using practical Spanish language skills.
Commonly Used Verbs in Giving Directions in Spanish
| Spanish Word | English Translation | Example Spanish Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ir (to go) | Indicates movement towards a destination. | Ve por la calle San Juan. | (Go along San Juan street.) |
| Girar (to turn) | Indicates a change in direction. | Gira a la derecha en la próxima esquina. | (Turn right at the next corner.) |
| Seguir (to continue/follow) | Suggests continuing in the same direction. | Sigue recto hasta el semáforo. | (Continue straight to the traffic light.) |
| Tomar (to take) | Often used when choosing a path or road. | Toma la primera salida en la rotonda. | (Take the first exit at the roundabout.) |
| Cruzar (to cross) | Used when crossing a street or area. | Cruza la plaza y sigue adelante. | (Cross the square and keep going.) |
| Encontrar (to find) | Refers to the location of something. | Encontrarás el banco a tu izquierda. | (You will find the bank on your left.) |
Expressions Related to Distance and Location
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation | Example Spanish Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al lado de (next to) | Indicates proximity to a landmark or another location. | El supermercado está al lado del banco. | (The supermarket is next to the bank.) |
| Cerca de (near/close to) | Indicates that a location is not far away. | Vivo cerca de la estación de tren. | (I live close to the train station.) |
| Enfrente de (in front of/opposite) | Used to describe something directly across from another location. | La farmacia está enfrente del parque. | (The pharmacy is opposite the park.) |
| Detrás de (behind) | Indicates that something is at the back of another location. | El restaurante está detrás del teatro. | (The restaurant is behind the theater.) |
| Entre (between) | Used when a location is situated between two points. | La librería está entre el museo y la biblioteca. | (The bookstore is between the museum and the library.) |
| A la derecha/izquierda de (to the right/left of) | Indicates direction relative to a point of reference. | El banco está a la derecha de la iglesia. | (The bank is to the right of the church.) |
| Recto (straight ahead) | Indicates to continue forward without changing direction. | Sigue recto hasta el final de la calle. | (Go straight ahead until the end of the street.) |
| Hasta (until/to) | Indicates up to a certain point or location. | Sigue caminando hasta la plaza. | (Keep walking until the square.) |
| Pasado/a (past) | Indicates beyond a certain point or location. | El banco está pasado el parque. | (The bank is past the park.) |
| Antes de (before) | Indicates prior to a certain point or location. | El banco está antes de la tienda. | (The bank is before the store.) |
| Al final de (at the end of) | Indicates the end of a specific place or location. | El restaurante está al final de la calle. | (The restaurant is at the end of the street.) |
| En la esquina (at the corner) | Indicates the corner of two streets or areas. | La farmacia está en la esquina. | (The pharmacy is at the corner.) |
Understanding these verbs and expressions is crucial for effectively giving and understanding addresses and directions in Spain.
Usually, to give address, the imperative form of the verb is used. So, we recommend that you review the imperative lesson as well.