intersection
Meaning: the place where two roads meet
Example: Turn right at the next intersection.
Tip: People often mention intersections when giving directions.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary for the city and directionsLearn the English you need to ask where places are, follow directions, and move around a city confidently.
This lesson teaches practical city vocabulary for finding streets, landmarks, and useful places. Start with the words people use in maps and directions, then learn common direction phrases and questions you can ask pedestrians, drivers, or staff.
8 words4 phrasal verbs6 questions
Visual overview
City directions vocabulary board
intersectionblocktraffic lightcornerlandmarkcrosswalkmapneighborhoodVocabulary for the city and directions
Core words
Start with the most useful words for this topic. Read the meaning, notice the example, and reuse the phrase in your own sentence.
block
Meaning: the distance between one street corner and the next
Example: The bank is only two blocks away.
Tip: In some cities, blocks are long, and in others they are short.
traffic light
Meaning: the road signal with red, yellow, and green lights
Example: Go straight through the traffic light and then turn left.
Tip: People also say stoplight in some parts of the United States.
corner
Meaning: the point where two streets meet
Example: There is a cafe on the corner.
Tip: On the corner is a very common location phrase.
landmark
Meaning: a famous building or place that helps people find their way
Example: The cathedral is a good landmark for the city center.
Tip: Landmarks make directions easier to follow.
crosswalk
Meaning: the marked place where people cross the street
Example: Please use the crosswalk near the station.
Tip: Pedestrian crossing is also used in some places.
map
Meaning: a visual guide that shows streets and places
Example: Can you show me the museum on the map?
Tip: You can use a paper map or a map app on your phone.
neighborhood
Meaning: a local area of a city where people live or work
Example: This neighborhood is full of restaurants and bookstores.
Tip: Neighbourhood is the British English spelling.
Useful phrasal verbs
These verb combinations appear often in natural conversations, so they are worth memorizing as full expressions.
turn left
Meaning: to move to the left side at a corner or intersection
Example: Turn left after the post office.
Tip: Turn left and turn right are essential direction phrases.
turn right
Meaning: to move to the right side at a corner or intersection
Example: Turn right at the pharmacy.
Tip: People often combine turn right with a landmark.
go straight
Meaning: to continue forward without turning
Example: Go straight for three blocks and you will see the hotel.
Tip: Go straight ahead is another common form.
look for
Meaning: to search for a person, place, or sign
Example: Look for the blue building on your left.
Tip: This is useful when directions include a visual signal.
Questions you can ask
Practise these ready-made questions so you can react faster in real conversations.
How do I get to the station from here?
When to use it: Use this when you need full directions to a place.
Is it within walking distance?
When to use it: Use this when you want to know if a place is close enough to walk to.
Should I turn left at the traffic light?
When to use it: Use this when someone is explaining a route and you want to confirm the next step.
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
When to use it: Use this when you need a useful place nearby.
Could you show me on the map?
When to use it: Use this when spoken directions feel confusing.
Is this the right street for the museum?
When to use it: Use this when you are close to the place but want to confirm.
Quick practice
Use these short exercises to check the lesson before you move on.
Practice
Complete the sentence: A famous building that helps people find their way is a ______.
A landmark is a visible place used as a reference point.
Practice
Which phrase means to continue forward without turning?
Go straight is one of the most common direction phrases in English.
Practice
Choose the better question: Where is nearest pharmacy? / Where is the nearest pharmacy?
The second version is complete and natural.
Practice
Correct the sentence: Turn right in the bank and go one block.
We use at with the landmark where the turn happens.