Inklingo

How to Say "directions" in Spanish

English → Spanish

direcciones

/dee-rek-SYOH-nes//diɾekˈθjones/

nounA1general
Use 'direcciones' when asking for or giving information about how to get to a specific place or location.
A winding path shown on a simple cartoon map with a large, bright yellow directional arrow pointing the way forward.

Examples

¿Me puedes dar direcciones para llegar al museo?

Can you give me directions to get to the museum?

El GPS nos dio direcciones muy claras.

The GPS gave us very clear directions.

Siempre pierdo el camino si no tengo direcciones escritas.

I always get lost if I don't have written directions.

Always Plural for Route

When talking about the route or instructions to follow, 'direcciones' is almost always used in the plural, even though 'direction' in English can be singular.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Usar 'la dirección' cuando se refiere a la ruta.”

Correction: Say 'Quiero las direcciones' (I want the directions), not 'la dirección'.

instrucciones

/eens-trook-SYOH-ness//instɾukˈθjones/

nounA1general
Use 'instrucciones' when referring to a set of steps or guidelines on how to operate something or complete a task.
A simplified illustration showing a human hand assembling a small wooden toy house by following a clear, visual sequence of steps.

Examples

¿Dónde están las instrucciones para armar esta silla?

Where are the instructions for assembling this chair?

Perdí las instrucciones del juego.

I lost the game's instructions.

Sigue las instrucciones al pie de la letra.

Follow the instructions to the letter (exactly).

Always Plural

This word is almost always used in its plural form in Spanish, just like the English word 'instructions,' even when referring to a single set of directions.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Dame la instrucción, por favor.”

Correction: Dame las instrucciones, por favor. ('Instrucción' exists, but usually means 'teaching' or 'education,' not 'directions.')

Route vs. Task Guidance

The most common mistake is using 'direcciones' when you actually need 'instrucciones'. Remember, 'direcciones' is for navigating places, while 'instrucciones' is for completing tasks or using objects.

Related Translations

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