When you’re in a Spanish-speaking country, you can’t expect to find someone to always translate something for you when you don’t speak the language. Here are a few phrases that you should know when you’re lost and in need to get somewhere. Whatever you wish to ask, remember to be polite and say: “Perdón, ¿Te puedo preguntar por direcciones?” (Excuse me, can I ask for directions?) or just simply say: “Perdón, estoy perdido/perdida”. (Excuse me, I’m lost.)

From that, there are a couple of phrases that you can connect to that, depending upon their response. Some of them could be the following:

“I’m looking for -” say “Busco- ” and add the name of the place or building.
“Where is-” or “Where are -” say “¿Dónde está-” or “¿Dónde están-”
“Is it far away?” or “Is it near here?” say “¿Está lejos?” or “¿Está por aquí?”
“How do you go to-” say “¿Por dónde se va a-” or say “¿Cómo puedo llegar a-”

If you really don’t have a background on Spanish or can’t distinguish Spanish that easily, you can say these sentences or phrases that may help you and the person you’re asking.

“I’m sorry but I don’t understand.” say: “Lo siento pero no entiendo.”
“I don’t understand Spanish that well.” say: “No entiendo bien el español.”
“Is there anyone here who speaks English?” say: “¿Hay alguien que hable inglés?”
“Please speak slowly.” say: “Por favor hable despacio.”
If you have a map, it would come in handy for the person to tell you where you are, if they can’t speak English well. “Where are we on the map?” say: “¿Dónde estamos aquí en el mapa?”

These are only some of the basic terms that you would hear when asking for directions. Some would include compass directions, street names and describing possible distances of where you want to go. Try to look these up as well when trying to describe or trying to listen on how far you need to go. Try to be keen on what they’re saying an you’ll get where you need to go. Have a great trip! ¡Buen viaje!