Navigating through the streets of Catalonia might be daunting if you do not know the language. Thankfully, asking for and giving directions in Catalan is not too difficult once you learn a few key phrases and vocabulary. Here’s a guide to help you get from point A to point B without getting lost in translation.
On means “where” and is often used to inquire about the location of a place.
Perdona, on és l’estació de tren?
(Excuse me, where is the train station?)
Esquerra means “left” and is used to give directions involving a left turn.
Gira a l’esquerra al semàfor.
(Turn left at the traffic light.)
Dreta means “right” and, similarly, is used when instructing someone to make a right turn.
És la tercera porta a la dreta.
(It’s the third door on the right.)
Tot recte translates to “straight ahead” and is used when one should continue forward without turning.
Continua tot recte fins al final del carrer.
(Continue straight ahead until the end of the street.)
Girar means “to turn” and is a crucial verb when giving or receiving directions for turning.
Hauràs de girar a la dreta a la propera intersecció.
(You will need to turn right at the next intersection.)
Cruïlla refers to a “crossroads” or “intersection.”
La botiga està a la cruïlla de la Gran Via amb el carrer Sant Pere.
(The shop is at the intersection of Gran Via and Sant Pere street.)
Semàfor translates to “traffic light.”
Gira a l’esquerra quan arribis al semàfor.
(Turn left when you reach the traffic light.)
Rotonda denotes a “roundabout” or “traffic circle.”
Agafa la segona sortida de la rotonda.
(Take the second exit at the roundabout.)
Carrer means “street,” an essential component of any address.
El restaurant està al carrer Major, número 45.
(The restaurant is on Major street, number 45.)
Avinguda, similar to its English counterpart “avenue,” refers to a main road or thoroughfare.
La biblioteca es troba a l’avinguda Diagonal.
(The library is on Diagonal avenue.)
Camí means “path” or “way”, and can be used to refer to smaller streets or pathways.
Seguiu aquest camí i creuareu un petit pont.
(Follow this path and you’ll cross a small bridge.)
Plaça translates to “square,” as in a public square.
L’estàtua està al centre de la plaça del poble.
(The statue is in the center of the town square.)
Senyal refers to a “sign” or “signal.”
Pots aparcar on hi ha un senyal verd.
(You can park where there is a green sign.)
Proper(a) translates to “next” or “nearest” when asking for the closest location.
On és la propera farmàcia?
(Where is the nearest pharmacy?)
By familiarizing yourself with these words and phrases, you will be able to ask for and give directions in Catalan with confidence. Remember to speak clearly and don’t be afraid to ask locals to repeat or speak more slowly if needed. Bon viatge (Have a good trip)!
