Hear the turn and reference
In direction language, gire a la izquierda tells the listener to turn left, siga todo recto tells them to continue straight ahead, and enfrente de identifies an opposite or facing reference point. [source]
The three examples below form one practice exchange. Start with the reply:
Traveler
¿Voy a la derecha o a la izquierda?
Do I go right or left?
Reply
Gire a la izquierda y siga todo recto. La entrada está enfrente del edificio.
Turn left and continue straight ahead. The entrance is opposite the building.
Read the reply in order. Identify the turn first, then the straight segment, then the reference point. Use the same order to repeat the actual directions you receive.
Ask for a slower repetition
No entiendo. ¿Puede repetirlo más despacio, por favor? asks someone to repeat an instruction more slowly. [source]
Ask for a slower repetition when you need it:
Traveler
No entiendo. ¿Puede repetirlo más despacio, por favor?
I do not understand. Could you repeat that more slowly, please?
Reply
Sí. Gire a la izquierda y siga todo recto.
Yes. Turn left and continue straight ahead.
Listen for the turn and straight segment again. If one part remains unclear, ask for another repetition before moving to the confirmation step.
Confirm the destination before walking
Repeating the destination and its reference point as a question is a way to check what you understood. [source]
Confirm the destination and reference:
Traveler
Entonces, ¿la entrada queda enfrente del edificio?
So, is the entrance opposite the building?
Reply
Sí, enfrente del edificio.
Yes, opposite the building.
The question repeats both the intended destination and its reference. Wait for the reply, then compare it with the turn and straight segment you heard earlier.
Keep the three passes together
- Listen for the turn, movement and reference point.
- Ask for a slower repetition when a step is unclear.
- Repeat the destination and reference as a confirmation question.
Use the Spanish glossary for separate transport, payment and appointment questions. Keep the packing checklist and entry guide with the other practical parts of your trip plan.
Common questions
What should I listen for first?
Listen for the order: the turn, the straight segment and the reference point. In direction language, “gire a la izquierda” means turn left, “siga todo recto” means continue straight ahead, and “enfrente de” identifies an opposite or facing reference point. [source] Repeat those three pieces before deciding where to walk.
How do I ask for a slower repetition?
Say No entiendo. ¿Puede repetirlo más despacio, por favor? In English: “I do not understand. Could you repeat that more slowly, please?” The Spanish request asks someone to repeat an instruction more slowly. [source] Listen again for the turn and reference before walking.
How do I confirm the destination?
Repeat the destination and its reference point as a question to check what you understood. [source] Ask Entonces, ¿la entrada queda enfrente del edificio? In English: “So, is the entrance opposite the building?” Listen for the reply and check the reference point before walking.
Sources
- In direction language, “gire a la izquierda” tells the listener to turn left, “siga todo recto” tells them to continue straight ahead, and “enfrente de” identifies an opposite or facing reference point.
- “No entiendo. ¿Puede repetirlo más despacio, por favor?” asks someone to repeat an instruction more slowly.
- Repeating the destination and its reference point as a question is a way to check what you understood.