Speaking Practice – Ask for Directions While Traveling
Master the core template, key vocabulary, and natural phrases for asking directions while traveling — then practice with 5 speaking prompts.
📋 The 3-part direction template / 3ステップのテンプレート
Excuse me, could you help me?
すみません、手伝っていただけますか。
I'm looking for [place] — could you tell me how to get there?
[場所]を探しています。そこへの行き方を教えていただけますか。
Thank you so much! Have a great day!
本当にありがとうございます！良い一日を！
Three steps: get attention politely → ask your question → say thank you. "Excuse me" is the most important word. Always start with it.
3ステップ：丁寧に注意を引く→質問する→お礼を言う。「Excuse me」が最重要。必ず最初に言いましょう。
3ステップ：丁寧に注意を引く→質問する→お礼を言う。「Excuse me」が最重要。必ず最初に言いましょう。
📚 単語バンク / Word bank Tap to hear 🔊
Places / 場所
Direction Words / 方向
Distance & Time / 距離・時間
Useful Action Words / 動詞
📌 記事の要点 / Key points
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Section 1 — When and why you need this skill
セクション1 — いつ・なぜ必要なのか
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- At the airport: finding the taxi stand, train, or exit when you land. 空港に着いて、タクシー乗り場や電車の出口がわからないとき。
- In a city centre: finding your hotel, a recommended restaurant, or a landmark. 街の中心部で、ホテルや有名なスポットが見つからないとき。
- Using public transport: not sure which platform or bus to take. バス停や駅で、どのホームやバスに乗ればいいかわからないとき。
- In a shopping area: looking for a specific shop, pharmacy, or supermarket. ショッピングエリアで、特定のお店や薬局を探しているとき。
- On a walking tour: confused by a map or you miss a turning. 自分でまち歩きをしていて、地図で迷ったり曲がる場所を過ぎてしまったとき。
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Section 2 — The 3-part core template
セクション2 — 3ステップの基本テンプレート
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- "Excuse me" — get attention politely. This is the most important word. 「Excuse me」— 丁寧に注意を引く。これが最重要ワードです。
- "Could you tell me how to get to [place]?" — ask your question. "Could you" is more polite than "can you" with strangers. 「Could you tell me how to get to [場所]?」— 質問する。見知らぬ人には「can you」より「could you」が丁寧。
- "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it." — always finish with thanks. 「Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.」— 必ずお礼で締める。
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Section 3 — Vocabulary bank (28 key words)
セクション3 — 単語バンク（28語）
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- Places: station, train station, bus stop, airport, hotel, museum, pharmacy / chemist, supermarket 場所：station, train station, bus stop, airport, hotel, museum, pharmacy, supermarket
- Direction words: straight ahead, turn left, turn right, on the left, on the right, at the corner, at the traffic lights, opposite 方向：straight ahead, turn left, turn right, on the left, on the right, at the corner, at the traffic lights, opposite
- Distance & time: far, near / nearby, close by, about five minutes on foot, around the corner, a short walk 距離・時間：far, near, close by, about five minutes on foot, around the corner, a short walk
- Action words: lost, looking for, directions, address, map, point (me to) 動詞：lost, looking for, directions, address, map, point (me to)
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Section 4 — Useful phrases by function
セクション4 — 場面別フレーズ集
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- Starting: "Excuse me, could you help me?" / "Sorry to bother you, but…" / "Excuse me, do you have a moment?" 話しかける：「Excuse me, could you help me?」/「Sorry to bother you, but…」/「Do you have a moment?」
- Asking location: "Where is the train station?" / "Could you tell me how to get to [place]?" / "Which way is the city centre?" 場所を聞く：「Where is the train station?」/「Could you tell me how to get to [場所]?」/「Which way is the city centre?」
- Asking distance: "Is it far from here?" / "Is it within walking distance?" / "About how long does it take to walk?" 距離を確認：「Is it far from here?」/「Is it within walking distance?」/「About how long does it take to walk?」
- Asking to clarify: "Sorry, could you say that again?" / "Could you speak more slowly?" / "Would you mind showing me on the map?" 聞き直す：「Sorry, could you say that again?」/「Could you speak more slowly?」/「Would you mind showing me on the map?」
- Ending politely: "Thank you so much!" / "That's very helpful, thank you!" / "Have a great day!" 会話を終える：「Thank you so much!」/「That's very helpful, thank you!」/「Have a great day!」
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Section 5 — Three model conversations
セクション5 — 3つの会話例
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- London bus stop (You + Tom): Excuse me → British Museum → confirm on map → ask about distance → Thank you. ロンドンのバス停（あなた＋トム）：Excuse me → 大英博物館 → 地図で確認 → 距離を聞く → お礼。
- New York coffee shop (You + David): Excuse me → 5th Ave & 42nd St → three blocks right → glass building landmark → 5 minutes. ニューヨークのカフェ（あなた＋デイヴィッド）：Excuse me → 5番街と42丁目 → 右に3ブロック → ガラスのビルが目印 → 5分。
- Sydney landmark (You + Emma): Excuse me, I'm lost → Harbour View Hotel → walk to promenade → 10–15 minutes → Thank you, you saved me! シドニーの観光地（あなた＋エマ）：すみません迷った → ハーバービューホテル → プロムナードへ → 10〜15分 → ありがとう！
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Section 6 — Four naturalness tips
セクション6 — 自然に聞こえる4つのコツ
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- Add a reason or context: ❌ "Where is the museum?" ✅ "Excuse me, I'm trying to find the museum — could you point me in the right direction?" 理由を加える：❌「博物館はどこですか」✅「博物館を探しているんですが、方向を教えていただけますか」
- Confirm what you heard: ❌ "OK." (and look confused) ✅ "So I turn right at the lights, then walk straight for two minutes — is that right?" 聞いた内容を確認：❌「オーケー」✅「信号で右、まっすぐ2分歩く、で合っていますか」
- Use "So" to start a confirmation: ✅ "So, I need to go left and then straight?" ✅ "So it takes about ten minutes on foot?" 「So」で確認を始める：✅「So, 左に行ってまっすぐですね？」✅「So, 徒歩10分くらいですか？」
- Extend your thanks: ❌ "Thanks." ✅ "Thank you so much. That's really helpful. Have a great day!" 短い返事を伸ばす：❌「Thanks.」✅「Thank you so much. That's really helpful. Have a great day!」
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Section 7 — Five common mistakes to avoid
セクション7 — 避けたい5つのよくあるミス
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- ❌ Starting without "Excuse me": "Where is the station?" → ✅ "Excuse me, where is the station?" ❌「Excuse me」なしで話しかける → ✅「Excuse me」を必ず最初に言う。
- ❌ Using "please" at the end: "Tell me the way to the hotel, please." → ✅ "Could you tell me the way to the hotel?" ❌「〜please」で終わらせる → ✅「Could you〜」を使う。
- ❌ Nodding when you didn't understand: smiling and nodding → ✅ "Sorry, could you say that again more slowly?" ❌ わかったふりをする（うなずくだけ）→ ✅「Sorry, could you say that again more slowly?」と言う。
- ❌ Forgetting to say thank you: walking away without a word → ✅ "Thank you so much! That's really helpful. Have a great day!" ❌ お礼を忘れる → ✅「Thank you so much! Have a great day!」と必ず言う。
- ❌ Using overly formal English: "I would be most grateful if you could provide me instructions regarding the nearest transit hub." → ✅ "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest station?" ❌ 堅苦しすぎる英語を使う → ✅ シンプルに短く話す。
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Section 8 — Practice template & worked examples
セクション8 — 練習テンプレートと使用例
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- Template: "Excuse me, I'm looking for [PLACE]. Could you tell me how to get there? Is it far from here, or can I walk? Thank you so much. Have a great day!" テンプレート：「すみません、[場所]を探しています。そこへの行き方を教えていただけますか。ここから遠いですか、歩いて行けますか。本当にありがとうございます。良い一日を！」
- Yuki in London: "Excuse me, I'm looking for the National Gallery. Could you tell me how to get there? Is it far from here, or can I walk? Thank you so much!" ユキ（ロンドン）：「すみません、ナショナル・ギャラリーを探しています。そこへの行き方を教えていただけますか。ここから遠いですか、歩いて行けますか。本当にありがとう！」
- Kenji in New York: "Excuse me, I'm looking for Grand Central Station. Could you tell me how to get there? Is it far from here, or can I walk?" ケンジ（ニューヨーク）：「すみません、グランド・セントラル駅を探しています。そこへの行き方を教えていただけますか。ここから遠いですか、歩いて行けますか。」
- Bonus tip: If you don't know the English name of the place, just show your phone! A photo of the address or a map is perfectly fine. ボーナスtip：場所の英語名がわからなくても大丈夫。スマホで地図や住所の写真を見せるだけで十分伝わります！
Step 1
👀 Read
Step 2
🤔 Prepare
Step 3
🎙️ Speak
Step 4
⭐ Review
📍 Stop 1 of 5
🎯 Goal / ゴール
Tap to speak
マイクが使えない場合は下でタイプできます。
8
💬 Model answer / 模範解答
Section 1: Introduction / はじめに
When you travel to an English-speaking country, you will need to find places. You may need to find your hotel. You may need to find a train station. You may need to find a restaurant, a museum, or a bus stop. Asking for directions is one of the most important travel skills in English.
The good news is: you do not need perfect English. You only need a few simple phrases. A polite question and a friendly tone are enough to get the help you need.
英語圏を旅行するとき、道を尋ねる場面は必ずあります。ホテル、駅、レストラン、観光スポット…場所がわからなくなることは誰にでもあります。でも大丈夫。英語が完璧でなくても、いくつかの決まった表現を知っているだけで十分です。丁寧に、シンプルに話しかけることが何より大切です。
When will you use this? / いつ使う場面があるの？
Here are 5 real situations where you will need to ask for directions:
- At the airport: You land in a new city and need to find the taxi stand, the train, or the exit.
空港に着いて、タクシー乗り場や電車の出口がわからないとき。 - In a city centre: You are walking and cannot find your hotel, a recommended restaurant, or a landmark.
街の中心部で、ホテルや有名なスポットが見つからないとき。 - Using public transport: You are at a bus stop or train station and are not sure which platform or bus to take.
バス停や駅で、どのホームやバスに乗ればいいかわからないとき。 - In a shopping area: You are looking for a specific shop, a pharmacy, or a supermarket inside a shopping centre.
ショッピングエリアで、特定のお店や薬局を探しているとき。 - On a walking tour: You are exploring on your own and get confused by a map or miss a turning.
自分でまち歩きをしていて、地図で迷ったり曲がる場所を過ぎてしまったとき。
Why is this skill important? / なぜ大切なの？
Knowing how to ask for directions in English helps you:
- Save time when you are lost — 迷ったとき、時間を無駄にしない
- Feel more confident when you travel alone — 一人旅でも自信を持てる
- Connect with local people in a friendly way — 地元の人と自然にコミュニケーションできる
- Avoid dangerous areas by asking the right questions — 安全な道を確認できる
- Enjoy your trip without stress — ストレスなく旅行を楽しめる
2. Core Language Pattern / 基本の型
A good direction question has three parts. Use this simple template every time:
- Get attention politely → Excuse me,
- Ask your question clearly → could you tell me how to get to [place]?
- Thank the person → Thank you so much!
The Template / テンプレート
Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to [place]?
Is it far from here?
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Is it far from here?
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
1. 「Excuse me」で相手の注意を丁寧に引く。これが最重要。いきなり質問するより印象がずっとよい。
2. 「could you tell me how to get to〜」で目的地を聞く。"Could you〜"は丁寧な依頼の定番表現。
3. 「Thank you so much」でお礼を言う。"Thank you"だけでも十分だが、"so much"をつけると感謝の気持ちが伝わりやすい。
Why "could you" is better than "can you" / 「could you」が「can you」より丁寧な理由
"Can you tell me...?" — This is fine, but it sounds a little direct.
"Could you tell me...?" — This sounds more polite and friendly. It is better for strangers.
見知らぬ人に話しかけるときは、"can you" より "could you" のほうが丁寧に聞こえます。旅行中は特に "could you" を使うクセをつけましょう。
3. Vocabulary Bank / 単語リスト
Here are 28 essential words and phrases extracted directly from the study guide:
Places / 場所
station駅
train station電車の駅
bus stopバス停
airport空港
hotelホテル
museum博物館・美術館
pharmacy / chemist薬局
supermarketスーパーマーケット
Direction Words / 方向の言葉
straight aheadまっすぐ
turn left左に曲がる
turn right右に曲がる
on the left左側に
on the right右側に
at the corner角のところで
at the traffic lights信号のところで
opposite向かい側に
Distance & Time / 距離・時間
far遠い
near / nearby近い・近くに
close byすぐそこに
about five minutes on foot徒歩約5分
around the cornerすぐ曲がったところに
a short walk少し歩いたところ
Useful Action Words / 便利な動詞
lost迷った
looking for〜を探している
directions道順・行き方
address住所
map地図
point ("point me to")指し示す・教える
4. Useful Phrases by Function / 場面別フレーズ集
① Starting the Conversation / 話しかけるとき
Excuse me, could you help me?
すみません、手伝っていただけますか。
Excuse me, do you have a moment?
すみません、少しよろしいですか。
Sorry to bother you, but...
お邪魔してすみませんが…
Excuse me, I'm a little lost.
すみません、少し迷っています。
② Asking for a Location / 場所を聞くとき
Excuse me, where is the train station?
すみません、電車の駅はどこですか。
Could you tell me how to get to [place]?
[場所]への行き方を教えていただけますか。
I'm looking for this address.
この住所を探しています。
Is there a pharmacy near here?
この近くに薬局はありますか。
Which way is the city centre?
市内中心部はどちらの方向ですか。
③ Asking About Distance / 距離を確認するとき
Is it far from here?
ここから遠いですか。
How far is it?
どのくらい遠いですか。
Is it within walking distance?
歩いて行ける距離ですか。
About how long does it take to walk?
歩いてだいたいどのくらいかかりますか。
④ Asking Someone to Clarify / もう一度・詳しく聞くとき
Sorry, could you say that again?
すみません、もう一度言っていただけますか。
Sorry, could you speak more slowly?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。
Would you mind showing me on the map?
地図で示していただけますか。
So I turn left at the traffic lights — is that right?
信号で左に曲がる、ということですね？
⑤ Ending the Conversation Politely / 丁寧に会話を終えるとき
Thank you so much!
本当にありがとうございます！
I really appreciate your help.
お力添えに心から感謝します。
That's very helpful, thank you!
とても助かります、ありがとうございます！
Have a great day!
良い一日を！
5. Three Example Conversations / 会話の例 3つ
Conversation 1: At a Bus Stop with a Friendly Stranger
Setting: A bus stop in London. Target: Finding the British Museum.
YouExcuse me, sorry to bother you. Could you help me?
TomOf course! What do you need?
YouI'm looking for the British Museum. Am I going the right way?
TomOh, not quite! You need to go back the other way. Walk straight ahead for about five minutes, then turn left at the big traffic lights.
YouI'm sorry — turn left at the traffic lights? Could you show me on my map?
TomSure! So here we are now. Walk up this road, turn left here, and the museum entrance is right there on your right.
YouPerfect, I see it now. Is it far? Can I walk?
TomYes, easily! It's about eight minutes on foot. You'll enjoy the walk.
YouThat's so helpful. Thank you very much, Tom!
TomNo problem at all. Enjoy the museum!
Conversation 2: In a Coffee Shop with a Colleague
Setting: A coffee shop in New York. Character: Partnering with Sarah to request navigational aid from David at the counter.
SarahOkay, I think I know a shortcut. But I'm not 100% sure which street it's on.
YouMe neither. Let's ask someone at the counter.
SarahGood idea. Go ahead!
YouExcuse me, could you help us? We're looking for 5th Avenue and 42nd Street. Are we close?
Staff (David)Oh yeah, you're pretty close! Go out the front door, turn right, and walk about three blocks. You'll see the big crossing. You can't miss it.
YouThree blocks to the right? And is that on the left or the right side of the street?
DavidIt'll be on your left. There's a large glass building on the corner — that's your landmark.
YouA large glass building on the left. Got it. How long does it take to walk?
DavidMaybe five minutes. It's really not far at all.
YouBrilliant, thank you so much! You've been really helpful.
DavidAnytime! Good luck with your meeting.
Conversation 3: Meeting a New Person at a Tourist Attraction
Setting: Outside a famous landmark in Sydney, Australia. Partner: Interacting with Emma to find the waterfront track.
YouExcuse me, I'm a little lost. Do you have a moment?
EmmaOf course! Are you okay? Where are you trying to go?
YouI'm looking for the Harbour View Hotel. I think it's near the water, but I can't find it.
EmmaOh, I know that one! It's actually not too far. You see that road over there? Walk down it towards the water and keep going until you hit the promenade.
YouSorry — "promenade"? I'm not sure what that means.
EmmaOh, sorry! It's the wide path along the harbour — the waterfront. You walk along there, and the hotel is about halfway along on your right. Big blue sign out front.
YouI see. So walk towards the water, then follow the path along the harbour. How long will that take?
EmmaMaybe ten to fifteen minutes? It's a really nice walk though. The view is beautiful!
YouThat sounds lovely. Thank you so much — you really saved me!
EmmaHappy to help! Enjoy your stay in Sydney!
6. Naturalness Tips / 自然に聞こえるコツ
Tip 1: Add a reason or context / 理由や状況をひとこと加える
❌ Unnatural"Where is the museum?"
✅ Natural"Excuse me, I'm trying to find the museum — could you point me in the right direction?"
Tip 2: Confirm what you heard / 聞いた内容を繰り返して確認する
❌ Unnatural"Ok." (and you walk away looking confused)
✅ Natural"So I turn right at the lights, then walk straight for two minutes — is that right?"
Tip 3: Use "so" to start a confirmation / 「So」で確認を始める
"So, I need to go left and then straight?"
"So it takes about ten minutes on foot?"
Tip 4: Extend a short answer to keep it natural / 短い返事を少し伸ばす
❌ Short"Thanks."
✅ Extended"Thank you so much. That's really helpful. Have a great day!"
7. What to Avoid / 避けたほうがいいこと
Mistake 1: Starting without "Excuse me" / 「Excuse me」なしで話しかける
❌ Avoid: "Where is the station?"
✅ Better: "Excuse me, where is the station?"
Mistake 2: Using "please" at the end instead of "could you" / "please"で終わらせようとする
❌ Avoid: "Tell me the way to the hotel, please."
✅ Better: "Could you tell me the way to the hotel?"
Mistake 3: Saying nothing when you don't understand / 理解できなかったときに何も言わない
❌ Avoid: Smiling and nodding when you have no idea what was said.
✅ Better: "Sorry, could you say that again more slowly?"
Mistake 4: Forgetting to thank the person / お礼を忘れる
❌ Avoid: Getting directions and walking away without saying thank you.
✅ Better: "Thank you so much! That's really helpful. Have a great day!"
Mistake 5: Using very formal or complex English / 堅苦しすぎる英語を使う
❌ Avoid: "I would be most grateful if you could provide me with instructions regarding the route to the nearest transit hub."
✅ Better: "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest station?"
8. Practice Template / 練習テンプレート
Excuse me, I'm looking for [PLACE].
Could you tell me how to get there?
Is it far from here, or can I walk?
Thank you so much. Have a great day!
Could you tell me how to get there?
Is it far from here, or can I walk?
Thank you so much. Have a great day!
Worked Case Scenarios
Worked Example 1: Yuki — a student travelling to London for the first time:
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the National Gallery. Could you tell me how to get there? Is it far from here, or can I walk? Thank you so much. Have a great day!"
Worked Example 2: Kenji — a business traveller in New York:
"Excuse me, I'm looking for Grand Central Station. Could you tell me how to get there? Is it far from here, or can I walk? Thank you so much. Have a great day!"
Worked Example 3: Hana — a traveller who only has a photo of the address:
"Excuse me, I'm looking for this address. [shows phone] Could you tell me how to get there? Is it far from here, or can I walk? Thank you so much. Have a great day!"
💡 Bonus tip: If you don't know the English name of the place, just show your phone! Pointing to a map or a photo of the address is perfectly fine.