Inklingo

How to Say "directions" in Spanish

English → Spanish

direcciones

dee-rek-SYOH-nesdiɾekˈθjones

nounA1general
Use this when asking for or giving the way to get to a physical place.
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-nessinstɾukˈθjones

nounA1general
Use this when referring to guidance on how to do or assemble something.
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.')

lados

lah-dohsˈlaðos

nounA2general
Use this when talking about looking or searching in all places or directions generally.
A winding path splitting into two distinct forks, leading off toward different, distant locations on the horizon.

Examples

Hemos buscado las llaves por todos lados.

We have looked for the keys everywhere (in all places).

El perro corre de un lado a otros lados del jardín.

The dog runs from one side to other parts of the garden.

The 'Everywhere' Phrase

When you want to say 'everywhere,' Spanish often uses the plural 'lados' with the preposition 'por': 'por todos lados'.

Directional Use

Mistake: “Fui en todos lados (using 'en').”

Correction: Use 'a' or 'por' for direction/location: 'Fui a todos lados' (I went everywhere) or 'Estaba por todos lados' (It was everywhere).

seña

SEH-nyahˈseɲa

nounB1informal
Use this to ask for someone's address or contact information, often implying directions as well.
A small red house with a white fence and a mailbox out front.

Examples

¿Me puedes dar tus señas?

Can you give me your address/contact details?

Le di las señas exactas de la casa.

I gave him the exact directions/details of the house.

El testigo dio las señas del sospechoso.

The witness gave the description of the suspect.

Always Plural for Addresses

When asking for someone's address using this word, it is almost always plural: 'las señas'.

Address Confusion

Mistake: “Mi seña es Calle Mayor 5.”

Correction: Mis señas son Calle Mayor 5 (or use 'Mi dirección es...').

Route vs. Task Guidance

The most common confusion is between 'direcciones' (for a route) and 'instrucciones' (for a task). Remember, if you're going somewhere, you need 'direcciones'; if you're building or doing something, you need 'instrucciones'.

Related Translations

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