Spanish A1: Asking where things are and giving simple directions

Objective

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to use simple Spanish for Asking where things are and giving simple directions. You will practise short lines such as todo recto, a la derecha, a la izquierda.

Why this matters

This lesson matters because conversation does not move forward if you can only answer. At A1, you need a few reliable questions and help phrases as much as you need statements.

Quick A1 context

At A1, learn one full exchange, not only one sentence. Keep a question and a short answer together so you can use them both in real conversation.

Core explanation

Start with one full exchange

Use a model like todo recto as one safe line you can say quickly.

Keep the answer close

Add a second small line such as a la derecha so you can move from question to answer naturally.

Keep this clear

Short directions are better than long ones. Ask first, then answer step by step.

A1 tip

If you feel stuck, return to a safe model such as ¿Dónde está la estación? and build from there.

Core forms or patterns

• ¿Dónde está...?
• todo recto
• a la derecha
• a la izquierda
• gira

Meaning contrasts

• direction language is chunk-heavy
• clarity matters more than complexity

Example sentences

• ¿Dónde está la estación?
• Sigue todo recto.
• Gira a la derecha.
• Esta al final de la calle.
• La farmacia esta a la izquierda.
• Cruza la plaza.
• Esta cerca, a cinco minutos.
• Gracias por la ayuda.

Common mistakes

• Wrong: Where is the station? Better: ¿Dónde está la estación? Why: Use the full Spanish question frame.
• Wrong: Go straight and after right. Better: Todo recto y después a la derecha. Why: Give directions step by step with short chunks.
• Wrong: Is near from here. Better: Está cerca de aquí. Why: Use de in the location chunk.

Useful expressions and chunks

• todo recto
• a la derecha
• a la izquierda
• al final de la calle
• está cerca

Mini comparison with English

Directions work best when you memorise the route chunks instead of building them word by word in real time.

Guided practice

1. Complete each mini-sentence.

   • a. ¿Dónde está la ________?
   • b. Todo ________.
   • c. Gira a la ________.
   • d. Está cerca de ________.

2. Choose the better Spanish sentence.

   • a. Where is the station? / ¿Dónde está la estación?
   • b. Go straight and after right. / Todo recto y después a la derecha.
   • c. Is near from here. / Está cerca de aquí.

3. Write the correct version.

   • a. Where is the station?
   • b. Go straight and after right.
   • c. Is near from here.

4. Finish these useful mini-phrases.

   • a. todo ________
   • b. a la ________
   • c. cerca de ________

5. Mini output.

   • Write one question asking for a place and two short direction lines.

Answer key

1. Possible answers:

   • a. ¿Dónde está la estación / farmacia / parada?
   • b. Todo recto.
   • c. Gira a la derecha.
   • d. Está cerca de aquí.
2. • a. ¿Dónde está la estación?
   • b. Todo recto y después a la derecha.
   • c. Está cerca de aquí.
3. • a. ¿Dónde está la estación?
   • b. Todo recto y después a la derecha.
   • c. Está cerca de aquí.

4. Possible models:

   • a. todo recto
   • b. a la derecha
   • c. cerca de aquí

5. Open answer.

   • Possible model: ¿Dónde está la farmacia? Todo recto. Está a la derecha.

Mini production task

Write a 4-line mini dialogue for this situation. Include one question, one answer, and one polite reaction if possible. Try to include todo recto, a la derecha, a la izquierda.

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