Voyage with Words: Mastering Travel English in 30 Days – Day 4
We’re glad you’ve found us! Today we navigate through the language of directions and places. Understanding how to ask for and understand directions is essential in any travel situation. Whether you’re trying to find a historic monument in a bustling city or the nearest subway station, the right words can make all the difference. Today’s journey through vocabulary will provide you with the tools to explore confidently and efficiently.
As we explore these fundamental terms, we’ll also dive into the “local lingo” often used in English-speaking countries. This will help you not only understand basic directions but also get acquainted with the colloquial and sometimes colourful ways locals express these concepts.
Vocabulary List:
- Map (mæp) – A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features.
- Example: Always carry a map when you explore a new city.
- Street (striːt) – A public road in a city or town, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides.
- Example: The hotel is just down the street on the left.
- Right (raɪt) – Towards the direction that is opposite of left; also used to confirm correctness.
- Example: Turn right at the next corner to reach the museum.
- Left (lɛft) – Towards the direction opposite of right.
- Example: The cafe is two blocks to the left.
- Intersection (ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən) – A point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect.
- Example: The bookstore is at the intersection of Pine Street and 3rd Avenue.
- Landmark (ˈlændmɑːrk) – A prominent or well-known object in a particular place, often used as a guide in travelling.
- Example: The tall tower is a landmark that’s hard to miss.
- Distance (ˈdɪstəns) – An amount of space between two things or people.
- Example: The museum is within walking distance from the hotel.
- Signpost (ˈsaɪnpoʊst) – A sign giving information such as the direction and distance to nearby places, typically found at a road intersection.
- Example: Follow the signpost; it will lead you to the main square.
- Compass (ˈkʌmpəs) – An instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction.
- Example: A compass is essential when hiking in remote areas.
- Roundabout (ˈraʊndəbaʊt) – A road junction at which traffic moves in one direction around a central island to reach one of the roads converging on it.
- Example: Take the third exit at the roundabout to continue on Main Street.
Sample Dialogue:
Alex: Excuse me, can you help me find the library?
Charlie: Sure, it’s not far. Go straight down this street and turn left at the intersection. You’ll see a large roundabout, and the library is just behind it.
Alex: Is it within walking distance?
Charlie: Yes, it’s about a 10-minute walk. Just look for the old clock tower; it’s a well-known landmark around here.
Alex: Great, thank you! And is there a signpost near the library?
Charlie: Yes, there’s a signpost right in front. You can’t miss it.
Alex: Perfect, thanks for your help!
Local Lingo for Directions:
Navigating through an English-speaking country, you might bump into some quirky local terms or slang related to directions. Understanding these can make your interactions smoother and even more enjoyable. Here are some common phrases and their meanings:
- “Down the road” – Often used to mean a short distance away in the direction along the street.
- Example: “The coffee shop? It’s just down the road, past the post office.”
- “Take a left at the lights” – A typical way to indicate turning at the traffic lights.
- Example: “To get to the library, take a left at the lights, and it’s right there.”
- “A stone’s throw away” – Indicates that something is very close or a very short distance away.
- Example: “Our hotel is a stone’s throw away from the beach.”
- “Make a U-ie” – Slang for making a U-turn.
- Example: “You missed the turn! Make a U-ie at the next intersection.”
- “The scenic route” – Taking a longer path, usually a more picturesque one, rather than the shortest.
- Example: “We took the scenic route through the countryside and saw some amazing views.”
Understanding these phrases will not only help you navigate but also give you a richer, more authentic experience of the place you’re visiting. So next time a local tells you the museum is “a hop, skip, and a jump away,” you’ll know it’s not too far off!
By now you’re probably getting hungry, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Next time we’ll dig into the language of dining out. Until then, happy navigating and enjoying the local expressions as much as the sights!
#1. Which term refers to a circular road junction?
#2. Where do two or more roads meet?
#3. If you turn the opposite way of right, which direction is that?
#4. How do you describe the amount of space between two places?
#5. What guides you to different locations at a road intersection?
#6. What do you call a diagram that represents an area of land?
#7. What typically indicates directions to different places in a town or city?
#8. What is used to find directions traditionally?
#9. If you’re following a road and it splits into two, what have you come across?
#10. What is a ‘Landmark’?
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