🧭 Italian phrase guide
How to ask for directions in Italian
Asking for directions is easy. Understanding the answer is the hard part. These phrases cover both sides, plus the one phrase every learner needs: "Could you say that more slowly?"
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key Italian phrases
| Italian | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Mi scusi | Excuse me | |
| Dov'è la stazione? | Where is the train station? | |
| Come arrivo a…? | How do I get to…? | |
| È lontano? | Is it far? | |
| Vada sempre dritto. | Go straight ahead. | |
| Giri a sinistra / a destra. | Turn left / right. | |
| Al semaforo | At the traffic lights | |
| Può ripetere più lentamente? | Could you repeat that more slowly? | |
| Me lo può indicare sulla mappa? | Can you show me on the map? | |
| Grazie dell'aiuto! | Thanks for your help! |
Example conversation
You
Mi scusi, dov'è la stazione?
Excuse me, where is the train station?
Local
Vada sempre dritto e al semaforo giri a sinistra.
Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic lights.
You
È lontano?
Is it far?
Local
No, circa cinque minuti a piedi.
No, about five minutes on foot.
You
Può ripetere più lentamente?
Could you repeat that more slowly?
Local
Certo! Dritto, poi a sinistra al semaforo.
Of course! Straight, then left at the lights.
Good to know
💡 "Mi scusi" is polite for strangers; "scusa" is for friends. Italians often give directions by landmarks, so listen for phrases like "dopo la chiesa" (after the church).
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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