If you find yourself a bit lost in a Spanish-speaking country or simply need to know where the closest restaurant, train station, landmark, etc., is located, it's important to know how to ask for directions in Spanish. Today's lesson will teach you some important phrases and vocabulary for doing so.

Breaking the Ice

To approach a stranger, you might say some polite equivalent of "Excuse me," like Permiso, Disculpe or Mande in certain countries, or perhaps some greeting like Hola (Hello) or Buenos días (Good Morning), Buenas tardes (Good afternoon) or Buenas noches (Good evening), depending upon the time of day. We also recommend that, of the many ways to say "you" in Spanish, you choose the more formal one: usted, and/or address the person as señor (sir), señora (ma'am) or señorita (miss). Armed with this information, let's learn some fixed expressions that you could use as openers, all of which essentially mean "Can/could you tell me...?"

¿(Usted) me puede/podría decir...? 

¿(Usted) me puede/podría indicar...? 

¿(Usted) me puede/podría señalar...? 

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Talking About Location

Now let's hear one of the aforementioned phrases connected to a typical way to ask about the location of something in Spanish:

Eh... ¿Me puede decir dónde está la calle Güemes?

Um... Can you tell me where Güemes Street is?

Caption 33, Español para principiantes Saludos y encuentros

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As we hear, ¿Dónde está(n)...? (Where is/are...?) is one of the most common ways to ask about location in Spanish. Let's learn some more useful phrases to do so:

¿Cómo llego a...? (How do I get to...?)

¿Hay un/a... cerca de aquí? (Is there a... around here?)

¿Sabe si está por aquí...? (Do you know if... is around here?)

¿Cuál es la mejor forma de llegar/ir a...? (What's the best way to get to...?)

Busco/Estoy buscando... (I'm looking for...) 

¿Me puede mostrar en el mapa...? (Can you show me on the map...?)

Now, let's hear some of these, on their own or in combination, in action:

Disculpe, ¿hay un aeropuerto por aquí?

Excuse me, is there an airport around here?

Caption 11, Curso de español ¿Disculpe, hay un aeropuerto por aquí?

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Eh... ¿Podría decirme cómo llegar al aeropuerto?

Um... Could you tell me how to get to the airport?

Caption 13, Curso de español ¿Disculpe, hay un aeropuerto por aquí?

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Por cierto, ¿cómo llego a la cascada?

By the way, how do I get to the waterfall?

Caption 69, Aprendiendo con Priscilla Pidiendo direcciones

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¿Usted sabe dónde está el museo del Prado? Usted.

Do you [formal] know where the Prado Museum is? "Usted."

Caption 15, Fundamentos del Español 6 - Tú y Usted

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Directions-Related Vocabulary

Next, let's learn some useful vocabulary in anticipation of some answers we might receive upon asking for directions in Spanish. 

Directional Nouns

Let's start with the basic directions, right and left, as well as the cardinal and ordinal directions in Spanish:

la izquierda: left

la derecha: right 

el norte: north

el sur: south

el este: east

el oeste: west

el noreste/nordeste: the northeast

el noroeste: the northwest

el sudeste/sureste: the southeast

el sudoeste/suroeste: the southwest

Note that when indicating directions, these words are usually used with the prepositions a (to) or hacia (to/toward). Let's see some examples: 

está situado al este de la bahía.

is located to the east of the bay.

Caption 22, Viajando con Fermín Pasajes (Pasaia) - Part 1

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Por ejemplo, si tenemos que ir hacia la derecha, deberemos girar el volante hacia la derecha y si queremos ir hacia la izquierda, deberemos girar el volante hacia la izquierda.

For example, if we have to go right, we will have to turn the steering wheel to the right and if we want to go left, we will have to turn the steering wheel to the left.

Captions 38-41, Raquel y Marisa Aprender a conducir - Part 2

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Interestingly, all of the above-mentioned nouns can also function as adjectives, for example, la punta norte (the northern tip) or el lado izquierdo ("the left side," noting the change from a final "a" to an "o" to agree grammatically with the singular masculine noun). Another example of this is the fact that, like in English, Spanish uses the word mano (hand) to talk about "the right" or "left hand side":

Ve, entrá y la primera oficina que encontrás a mano derecha; ahí es.

Go, go in, and the first office you'll find on the right hand side; it's there.

Caption 74, La Sucursal del Cielo Capítulo 1 - Part 12

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More Directional Terms

Let's take a look at some additional directional words and phrases.

abajo: down

arriba: up

al lado de: next to

cerca de: close to

enfrente de: in front of/across from 

derecho: straight/straight ahead/right

detrás de: behind 

recto: straight/straight ahead

todo derecho/recto: straight ahead

As we already learned that the adjective derecho means "right," you may have been surprised to see in the list above that it can also mean "straight" or "straight ahead." Let's see examples of each usage: 

¿Sigo derecho y no lo saludo?

Keep going straight and not say hi to him?

Caption 26, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 4 - Part 12

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"Mi guitarra está al lado derecho mío".

"My guitar is on my right side."

Caption 17, Kowy Vocabulario

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Directional Verbs

Let's take a look at many oft-used verbs for talking about how to get places in Spanish, a few of which we've already seen:

estar: to be located

quedar: to be located

llegar: to get there 

seguir: to continue, keep going

doblar: to turn

girar: to turn 

tomar: to take 

pasar: to pass 

cruzar: to cross 

Now, let's see a couple of these in clips from the Yabla Spanish video library: 

Señora, ¿y usted sabe dónde queda esa whiskería?

Ma'am, and do you know where that whisky bar is?

Caption 82, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 3 - Part 1

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debo girar por la calle de la izquierda.

I should turn down the street on the left.

Caption 50, Raquel Las direcciones

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More Directions-Related Nouns

Finally, we'll look at just a few of the many directions-related nouns that might come up as things to keep your eyes out for on your way to some destination: 

el edificio: the building

la señal de pare/alto: the stop sign 

el semáforo: the stop light:

el camino: the road

la carretera: the highway

la calle: the street

la esquina: the corner

la intersección: the intersection

Let's conclude today's lesson with a little blurb that includes several of the terms we have learned today:

Cuando salgas, caminas a la derecha, cruzas el semáforo y a tu derecha verás un edificio blanco grande.

When you leave, you walk to the right, you cross the traffic light, and to your right, you'll see a big white building.

Captions 22-24, Cleer y Lida Llegando a una nueva ciudad

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We hope that this vocabulary will help you to feel more confident both asking for directions in Spanish and understanding many potential answers when you do... and don't forget to write us with your questions and suggestions! 

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If you are wondering how to say I am in Spanish, there are two possible options to choose from: yo soy and yo estoy. If that surprises you, the first thing you need to know is that the English verb "to be" has two equivalents in Spanish: ser and estar. Let's hear how to say I am in Spanish with these two verbs:

With the verb ser (yo soy):

Bueno, yo soy Amaya

Well, I'm Amaya

Caption 2, Amaya - Donkey Dreamland

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With the verb estar (yo estoy):

¿Cómo estás? Yo estoy bien.

How are you? I'm well.

Captions 7-8, Cleer y Lida - Llegando a una nueva ciudad

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Now that you are aware of the above, we would like to give you some simple tips to keep in mind when dealing with the soy vs. estoy dilemma.

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Yo Soy: I Am in Spanish for Permanent Qualities

In Spanish, the verb ser is used to express permanent conditions such as the following:

To say your name:

Yo soy Karen, y en este momento.

I'm Karen, and right now.

Caption 3, Aprendiendo con Karen - El tiempo

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To indicate your nationality:

Yo soy argentina.

I'm Argentine.

Caption 53, Carlos y Cyndy - Uso del Voseo en Argentina

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You can also name your place of origin by using the preposition de plus the name of the place you come from:

Yo soy de Guatemala, tengo veintiséis años.

I'm from Guatemala, I'm twenty-six years old.

Caption 4, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín - Hilda y los volcanes

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To explain your relationship with someone else:

Yo soy la hermana de Ximena.

I'm Ximena's sister.

Caption 7, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante - Capítulo 2

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To relay your profession:

¡Ah! Yo soy profesora de niños.

Oh! I'm a children's teacher.

Caption 20, El Aula Azul - Los profesores de la escuela

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To describe personality traits or physical appearance:

Yo soy un tipo humanitario, te estoy escuchando.

I'm a humanitarian man, I'm listening to you.

Caption 26, Yago - 13 La verdad - Part 4

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Yo soy negro, y entonces, por ende a mí me gusta la música negra,

I'm black, and so, therefore I like black music,

y la música negra en esos años para mí era Michael Jackson.

and black music in those years for me was Michael Jackson.

Captions 56-58, Leonardo Rodriguez Sirtori - Una vida como pintor

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Yo estoy: I am in Spanish for Variable Conditions

On the other hand, you use the verb estar in Spanish when talking about variables, conditions, or states, such as the following:

To express a temporary emotion or condition:

Bueno, bueno, yo estoy encantada.

Well, well, I'm delighted.

Es que, no sabéis qué me ha pasado.

It's just that, you don't know what's happened to me.

Captions 8-9, Clase Aula Azul - La segunda condicional

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To indicate your location:

Ahora bien, yo estoy en el Departamento de Cundinamarca.

Having said that, I am in the Department of Cundinamarca.

Caption 20, Viajando con Carlos - Boyacá - Colombia

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To describe an action in progress:

Yo estoy meditando en este momento.

I'm meditating right now.

Caption 40, Dayana - La meditación

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To state a particular position or idea about something:

Quiero que sepas que yo estoy dispuesta a conceder entrevistas.

I want you to know that I'm willing to grant interviews.

Caption 37, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante - Capítulo 3

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Yo estoy segura que Mariana te va a volver a buscar.

I'm sure that Mariana is going to seek you out again.

Caption 21, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante - Capítulo 5

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That's all for this lesson. We hope you now feel confident about how to say I am in Spanish, whether with the verb ser or the verb estar. And don't forget to send us your suggestions and comments.

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Do you know the difference between the Spanish verbs ser and estar? Although both mean "to be," the two verbs have different uses in Spanish. In very general terms, ser is used for more permanent characteristics while estar is used for fleeting conditions. If you need to learn or review the uses of these verbs in more detail, we recommend this lesson from the Yabla Spanish archives entitled Ser and Estar: An Easy Trick for Using These Verbs. Then, when you feel prepared, test yourself out with this quiz!

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Ser vs. Estar: Fill in the Blank

In the following sentences, choose the correct conjugation of ser or estar to fill in the blank. 

1. Diego ____ una persona amable y inteligente. 

a. es

b. está

2.   _____ las diez y media de la mañana.  

a. son

b. están

3. Mi vecino _____ en Colombia ahora.

a. es

b. está

4. Mi vecino _____ de Colombia. 

5. Yo ______ hablando por teléfono en este momento. 

a. soy

b. estoy

6. Nosotros _______ sentados en el auditorio. 

a. somos

b. estamos

7.  Yo ______ muy contenta porque mi amiga me viene a visitar. 

a. estoy

b. soy

8. Vosotros _____ altos y flacos. 

a. sois

b. estáis

9. Casi todos los alumnos _____ enfermos.

a. son

b. están

10. Tú _____ maestro de inglés.

a. eres

b. estás

11. Francisco y Eliana _____ primos.

a. son

b. están

12. ¿Cómo _________ vosotros hoy?

a. sois

b. estáis

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Ser vs. Estar Quiz: The Answers

The following are the answers to all of the questions in this Ser vs. Estar Quiz as well as the translations and grammatical reasons for each. 

Are you preparing for your first conversation in Spanish? Learning how to introduce yourself properly is the foundation of making connections in any language. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essential Spanish introduction phrases you need to make a great first impression.

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Basic Spanish Greeting Phrases for Introductions

The first step in any introduction is the greeting. Spanish offers several options depending on the time of day and level of formality:

Common Greetings to Start Your Introduction

Like in English, you would often begin introducing yourself in Spanish by saying hello to the person:

¡Hola!

Hello!

Caption 66, 75 minutos Del campo a la mesa - Part 16

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This simple greeting works in any situation, but you can also use time-specific greetings:

¡Buenos días!

Good morning!

Caption 2, Amaya La historia de Lukas

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Note that in some countries, like Argentina, it is more common to hear the singular version, Buen día. If it's later in the day (from about noon to sunset), you'd more likely hear Buenas tardes (Good afternoon/evening):

Buenas tardes.

Good afternoon.

Caption 31, Cita médica La cita médica de Cleer - Part 1

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And later than that, you might hear Buenas noches (literally "good night"). Note that in contrast to "Good night" in English, Buenas noches can be used as a greeting rather than just to send someone off to bed or say goodbye. That said, "Good evening" might be a more appropriate translation in that context. 

Muy buenas noches, bienvenida. -Hola, buenas noches.

Good evening, welcome. -Hello, good evening.

Caption 32, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 5 - Part 2

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How to Ask "How Are You?" in Spanish Introductions

After greeting someone, it's customary to ask how they're doing. The phrasing depends on whether you're using the formal or informal "you":

Formal Way to Ask How Someone Is

¿Cómo está usted?

How are you?

Caption 25, Cleer y Lida Saludar en español

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Of course, because there are several ways to say "you" in Spanish (usted is the singular, more formal form), this phrase might be adjusted to "¿Cómo estás tú?" or "¿Cómo estás vos?" to address one person informally. And while there are additional ways to say "you" to more than one person in Spanish, for the purposes of today's lesson, we will stick to the singular forms.

Informal Ways to Ask How Someone Is

Let's see another way to say "How are you?"

¿Y cómo te va?

And how are you?

Caption 38, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 8 - Part 1

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The more formal alternative with usted would be: "¿Y cómo le va (a usted)?" However, regardless of the formality of the situation or to how many people you are speaking, you can always use the following simple phrase:

Responding to "How Are You?" in Spanish

As the person to whom you are speaking will most likely respond by asking you how you are, we should give you some common answers to the aforementioned questions. Let's start with an answer to "¿Cómo está(s)?" 

If you are addressing one another with usted, you would instead say "¿y usted?" 

In contrast, if someone asks you '¿Cómo te/le va?" you might answer: "Bien, ¿y a ti?" or "Bien, ¿y a usted?" 

Although bien (well) or muy bien (very well) are by far the most common ways to answer the question of how you are, particularly when meeting someone for the first time, if you are interested in learning more about ways to say you are just OK, we recommend this lesson entitled ¿Qué tal? Ni bien ni mal (How Are You? Neither Good Nor Bad).

3 Ways to Say Your Name in Spanish Introductions

Now that we have gotten some formalities out of the way, it's time to say your name! Here are three common ways to do so:

Yo me llamo Lida.

My name is Lida.

Caption 12, Cleer y Lida Saludar en español

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Mi nombre es Diego Velázquez.

My name is Diego Velázquez.

Caption 9, Adícora, Venezuela Los fisioterapeutas

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Hola, yo soy Cleer.

Hello, I'm Cleer.

Caption 1, Recetas de cocina Arepas colombianas

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How to Ask Someone's Name in Spanish

And now, the moment has arrived to ask the other person their name:

¿Y cómo te llamas tú?

And, what's your name?

Caption 11, Cleer y Lida Saludar en español

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¿Cuál es tu nombre?

What's your name?

Caption 10, Cleer y Lida Llegando a una nueva ciudad

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The usted form is: "¿Cuál es su nombre?"

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Spanish Phrases for "Nice to Meet You"

When introducing yourself in Spanish, as in English, you should probably say something along the lines of "Nice to meet you." Here are several options:

Mucho gusto, Samuel.

Nice to meet you, Samuel.

Caption 29, Conversaciones en el parque Cap. 3: ¿De quién es esta mochila?

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Un placer, Mónica,

A pleasure, Monica,

Caption 3, Escribiendo un libro Algunos consejos sobre cómo comenzar - Part 1

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Hola, guapa. -Hola. -Encantada. -Encantada de conocerte.

Hello, beautiful. -Hello. -[A] pleasure. -[A] pleasure to meet you.

Caption 8, 75 minutos Gangas para ricos - Part 2

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And, if someone says one of those things to you, you might respond by saying "Igualmente" or "Yo también" (Me too). 

Hola Cristóbal, encantada. -Igualmente.

Hello, Cristobal. Pleased [to meet you]. -Me too.

Caption 35, 75 minutos Del campo a la mesa - Part 2

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Putting It All Together: Complete Spanish Introduction Examples

Now let's see how to combine all these elements into complete introductions:

Example 1: Informal Introduction

"¡Hola! ¿Qué tal? Me llamo Carlos. ¿Y tú, cómo te llamas? [...] Mucho gusto, Laura. ¿Cómo estás? [...] Yo estoy muy bien, gracias."
Translation: "Hello! How are you? My name is Carlos. And you, what's your name? [...] Nice to meet you, Laura. How are you? [...] I'm very well, thank you."

Example 2: Formal Introduction

"Buenos días. Mi nombre es Ana Gómez. ¿Cómo se llama usted? [...] Encantada de conocerle, Señor Martínez. ¿Cómo está usted? [...] Estoy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted?"
Translation: "Good morning. My name is Ana Gómez. What is your name? [...] Pleased to meet you, Mr. Martínez. How are you? [...] I'm well, thank you. And you?"

Next Steps After Basic Introductions

Learning how to introduce yourself in Spanish opens doors to meaningful conversations and connections. Practice these phrases until they become second nature, and soon you'll be ready to move beyond introductions to having more in-depth conversations.

If you'd like to hear many of these phrases in the context of both informal and formal conversations, we recommend the video Saludar en español (Greeting in Spanish). We hope you have enjoyed this lesson on how to introduce yourself in Spanish, and don't forget to leave us your suggestions and comments.

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