Giving Instructions in Spanish: Idioms and Conversations

In a previous lesson we learned some vocabulary forCity locations in Spanish. We also talked a bit about the different ways of asking and giving directions in the language. This lesson focuses on introducing some new phrases and contextualizing vocabulary in conversations where people need to ask questions or give directions in Spanish. As always, we've included a nice video, lots of examples, listening exercises, and interactive quizzes. Let us begin…

Introductory video: giving questions and instructions in Spanish

This video shows different ways to ask for directions in Spanish,the basics of place prepositionsindicate the location of places in the city and how to use the verbs ESTAR, QUEDAR and the HAY form of the verb HAVE. It also includes some phrases that will be part of the sample conversations, such as: “Go on"(Continue),"On the left' (left) and others. Watch the entire video to the end, then take the interactive quiz on the topic.

Words and phrases to ask and show directions in Spanish

Mostly people talk about places where they are usedthe verb to be in two forms: IS for a single site (one hotel) and IS for multiple sites (two hotels). For this reason,STAY is usedin the forms LINKS and LINKS. However, you can request information in Spanish.with a question like"Where do they fall / is + place?". To ask "How do I get to...?" use the question "How do I get to…?“.

Where is the bank? - Where is the bank?

puppy:Vicente Where is the bank?
Vicente: The bank is located in front of the San Judas Hospital
puppy: Thank you very much. I have to go to the bank now
Vicente:Well when it is closed there is another bank next to Farmacia Estrella.
puppy: Thank you very much. So I go to the bank that is near the São Judas hospital.
Vicente: OK good luck!

Conversational translation: Where is this place? in Spanish

Alika: Vicente, where is the bank?
Vicente: The bank is opposite the São Judas Hospital
alika: thank you! I have to go to the bank now.
Vicente: Well, when it's closed, there's another bank next to the Estrella pharmacy.
alika: thank you! Then I go to the bank that is near the São Judas hospital
Vincent: OK! Much luck!

Where is the restaurant? - Where is the restaurant?

Carlos:Roberto Where is this restaurant?
Roberto: um... let's see... It's on Central Street, in front of the Villa Hotel.
Carlos: hotel villa? I have no idea where it is.
Roberto: You don't know where it is. In order. Let's look at the map.
Carlos: Let's start with the central street.
Roberto: To get to the main road, take the number 1 bus and get off at the police station. Then walk north two blocks.
Carlos: Is that the restaurant?
Roberto:Not this one. When you reach the Italian restaurant, turn right and walk about 50 meters to Hotel Villa.
Carlos:I understand. The restaurant is across the street.
Roberto:Exactly!

Conversation Translation: Find Places in Spanish

Carlos Roberto, where is the restaurant?
Roberto: um... let's see... It's on the main street, in front of Hotel Villa.
Carlos: Hotel Vila? I have no idea where that comes from.
Roberto: You don't know, all good. Let's look at the map.
Carlos: Let's start with the main street.
Roberto: To get to the central street, take bus number 1 and get off at the police station. Then walk north two blocks.
Carlos: Is that the restaurant?
Roberto: No, not that. When you reach the Italian restaurant, turn right and walk about 50 meters to Hotel Villa.
Carlos: I understand the restaurant is across the street.
Robert: Exactly!

Other words and phrases to give instructions in Spanish

If you have no idea where a certain place is, you can use the expression "I do not know where it is" Ö "I do not know where it is“. If you want to confirm the location of the place, just change the stress of your sentence and make it sound like a question, like in these examples:"Is this the cinema? "mi "Is the restaurant across the street?

The second example shows different words and phrases to give instructions in Spanish. This conversation is more polite and includes the verbs "Saber" (to know),"lose you" (lose you),"Andar andar),"ask questions)mi"haber". You can tell people to move on by saying the phrases "go straight" Ö "walk down this street“. You can use phrases like "the right"(To the right), "on the left“ (to the left) and prepositions like cerca (near) or far (far). Listen to the sample conversation and see how they use some of these phrases to ask for and give directions in Spanish.

miguel: Excuse me, do you know where the bus station is?
Claudia: When it's near. You just have to walk 2 blocks in a straight line, then turn right and walk 1 more block. The station is located directly in front of an elementary school.
miguel: Thank you very much. What other places are near the train station?
Claudia: There is a supermarket and various shops. Don't worry, it's easy to get there. If you get lost, you can ask for help at the police station, which is also nearby.
miguel: Thanks for the help, I hope I'm not lost.
Claudia: You're welcome. Much luck.

Translation of conversations: asking for information in Spanish

Miguel: Excuse me, do you know where the bus station is?
Claudia: Yes, it's close. Just walk 2 blocks, then turn right and walk 1 block. The station is located directly in front of an elementary school.
Miguel: Thanks, what other places are near the train station?
Claudia: It has a supermarket and several shops. Don't worry, it's easy. If you get lost, you can ask for help at the police station, which is also nearby.
Michael: Thanks for the help, hope I don't get lost.
claudia: you're welcome. Much luck.

Listening activity: Walking around the city in Spanish – Do you know where what what?

Listen to a short conversation about places and directions in Spanish. Write down what you hear on the recording, noting how the vocabulary and phrases presented in the lesson are used. Press PLAY when ready.

Keywords in conversation:

spend time doing something...means "spend time doing something"
After all... means „Immerhin“

Conversation guide: places and directions in Spanish

Brenda: Mercedes... I'm looking for the address of the Delicias restaurant, do you know where it is?
Mercedes: Yes, I went to this restaurant with my boyfriend last week. It is in front of the hospital. It's a big blue and white building.
Brenda: and how is the place?
Mercedes: It's very good! We spent a lot of time there and ate delicious fish…
Brenda: Really? Are there any other interesting places near the restaurant?
Mercedes: Yes, there is a park two blocks south of the restaurant and a theater half a block north.
Brenda: It seems like a good place.
Mercedes: I really liked Brenda.

Practice and use: Speaking with directions in Spanish

In this activity, you'll draw the sentences about directions and places in Spanish to form a short conversation with a logical progression. Use the arrows on the right side of each row to move it up or down.

Additional exercise:

Think about the following questions, then write down your answers and read them aloud to practice your pronunciation.

What is the most interesting place in your city?
Where is it located?
What do you remember from the last time you were there?

Related Spanish worksheets:

City locations in Spanish – PDF sheet
Adjectives to describe places in Spanish - PDF file
Giving Instructions in Spanish - PDF Worksheet
Request information in Spanish - PDF worksheet
Giving Instructions in Spanish - Dialogue Worksheet

Giving Instructions in Spanish: Idioms and Conversations - SpanishLearningLab (2023)