Asking for directions

[Conversation pratice]: Asking for directions [with video and audio]

DiItaliano Dinamico

Buongiorno (Good morning)! Today we will learn how to ask for directions in Italian. This is an essential skill when traveling in Italy and needing to find your way.

Contenuti nascondi
1 1. Common questions for asking directions
2 2. Common responses
3 3. Example conversations
4 4. Tips for effective communication

1. Common questions for asking directions

Here are some useful phrases for asking for directions:

Mi scusi, come posso arrivare in Piazza Garibaldi?
(Excuse me, how can I get to Piazza Garibaldi?)

Dov’è la stazione dei treni?
(Where is the train station?)

C’è una fermata dell’autobus qui vicino?
(Is there a bus stop nearby?)

Qual è il modo migliore per arrivare a Milano?
(What is the best way to get to Milano?)

Può mostrarmi sulla mappa?
(Can you show me on the map?)

2. Common responses

When someone responds, you might hear phrases like:

Deve andare dritto.
(You have to go straight.)

Giri a sinistra / destra.
(Turn left/right.)

Prenda la prima/seconda/terza strada a destra/sinistra.
(Take the first/second/third street on the right/left.)

È vicino / È lontano.
(It’s near / It’s far.)

È a cinque minuti a piedi.
(It’s a five-minute walk.)

È dietro l’angolo.
(It’s around the corner.)

3. Example conversations

Example 1:

🧍‍♂️: Mi scusi, dov’è la stazione dei treni?
👩‍🦰: Deve andare dritto per due isolati, poi giri a sinistra. È sulla destra.
🧍‍♂️: Grazie mille!
👩‍🦰: Prego!

(Excuse me, where is the train station?)
(You have to go straight for two blocks, then turn left. It’s on the right.)
(Thank you very much!)
(You’re welcome!)

Example 2:

🧍‍♀️: Come posso arrivare al museo?
👨‍🦳: Prenda la seconda strada a destra e poi vada dritto. Vedrà il museo sulla sinistra.
🧍‍♀️: Grazie!
👨‍🦳: Di niente!

(How can I get to the museum?)
(Take the second street on the right and then go straight. You will see the museum on the left.)
(Thanks!)
(You’re welcome!)

4. Tips for effective communication

  • Use a polite and formal tone, especially with people you don’t know.
  • If you don’t understand the answer, you can say: Può ripetere, per favore? (Can you repeat, please?)
  • Carry a map or use GPS to make understanding easier.

With this lesson, you will be ready to ask for directions in Italian with confidence. Happy travels and happy learning!

Exercise: Try translating these sentences into Italian:

  1. Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?
  2. How can I get to the city center?
  3. Is the train station far from here?

You can write your answers in the comments. I’ll check and correct them for you! ✅