Vocabulary for Beginners: Directions

This lesson builds essential direction vocabulary to help you ask for, give, and understand simple routes in everyday situations in the UK. Use the words and phrases below to talk about where places are, how to get from A to B, and how to follow signs safely on streets, at junctions, and in stations.

Key direction words and phrases

• left / right – the two sides when you face forward.
• straight ahead – do not turn; keep going forward.
• turn left / turn right – change direction at a point.
• go past – continue until you pass a place or sign.
• go along – move forward on a road or street.
• across – from one side to the other side.
• at the corner – where two streets meet.
• junction / crossroads – where roads join; four-way meeting.
• roundabout – a circular junction; follow the exits.
• traffic lights – red, amber, green signals for cars and people.
• zebra crossing – black and white stripes for pedestrians.
• opposite – directly facing something across a space.
• next to – immediately beside; very close.
• between – in the middle of two places.
• behind / in front of – at the back / at the front.
• near / far – not far away / a long distance away.
• on the left/right-hand side – the side of the street or room.
• follow the signs – look at and obey direction signs.
• pavement – the path for people beside the road.
• car park – area to park cars.
• petrol station – place to buy fuel for cars.
• under / over – below / above something (a bridge, road).
• entrance / exit – way in / way out.

Useful questions

• Excuse me, how do I get to the station?
• Is there a bus stop near here?
• Which way is the city centre, please?
• How far is it on foot?
• Should I turn left or right at the lights?
• Can you show me on the map?

Giving simple directions

• Go straight ahead for two minutes, then turn right at the traffic lights.
• Go past the church and take the second left.
• At the roundabout, take the first exit.
• The museum is opposite the car park, next to the cafe.
• Walk along the pavement and cross at the zebra crossing.

Short dialogue

A: Excuse me, where is the library?
B: Go straight ahead and turn left at the corner.
A: Is it near the bus stop?
B: Yes, it is opposite the bus stop, between the bank and the cafe.
A: Thank you!
B: You are welcome.

Cardinal points (basic compass words)

North, south, east, and west show general direction. For example: The river is east of the station. The park is to the north of the museum. Use these for maps and signs.

Tips and common mistakes

• Say turn left/right, not take left/right (say take the first left).
• Use go past for passing a place; do not say go by it.
• Opposite means facing you; next to means beside you.
• In the UK, cars drive on the left. Use zebra crossings.
• When unsure, ask: Could you repeat that, please?

Mini practice

• Write three steps from your home to a shop using go along, turn, and opposite.
• Look at a map and describe a route using first, then, and finally.
• Ask a partner for directions to a petrol station using two of the questions above.