Ask for directions in Italian
Learn to ask for the station in Italian, understand left, right, and straight, and ask for repetition with clear pronunciation and regional notes.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
In this situational lesson, you will learn how to ask where the train station is, understand basic directions such as left, right, and straight ahead, and ask someone to repeat or speak more slowly. All phrases are standard contemporary Italian. Where relevant, I note regional differences, especially between northern and southern usage. Pronunciation guides use simple English approximations; stress is marked with capital letters. Practice each phrase aloud, then use the dialogue as a model for real conversations.
By the end, you can…
- ask where the station is in Italian.
- understand and respond to left, right, and straight ahead directions.
- ask someone to repeat or speak more slowly.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Scusi, dov'è la stazione?
Excuse me, where is the station?
SKOO-zee, doh-VEH lah stah-TSYOH-neh
Use 'Scusi' with strangers or people older than you. 'Dov'è' is a contraction of 'dove è'.
A sinistra.
On the left / to the left.
ah see-NEES-trah
Standard direction. In some southern regions you may hear 'a manca', but 'a sinistra' is understood everywhere.
A destra.
On the right / to the right.
ah DEHS-trah
Standard direction. In some southern regions you may hear 'a dritta', but 'a destra' is universally understood.
Sempre dritto.
Straight ahead.
SEHM-preh DREET-toh
Means continue without turning. In Tuscany and parts of the south, you may hear 'sempre dritto' or 'dritto dritto' for emphasis.
Può ripetere, per favore?
Can you repeat, please?
pwoh ree-PEH-teh-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh
Polite form using 'Può' (you can, formal). Use with strangers. For informal: 'Puoi ripetere?'
Può parlare più lentamente?
Can you speak more slowly?
pwoh par-LAH-reh pyoo lehn-tah-MEN-teh
Very useful if the speaker talks fast. 'Più lentamente' means 'more slowly'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask where something is, use 'Dov'è' + singular noun: 'Dov'è la stazione?' (Where is the station?), 'Dov'è il bagno?' (Where is the bathroom?), 'Dov'è la fermata dell'autobus?' (Where is the bus stop?). For plural nouns, use 'Dove sono': 'Dove sono i binari?' (Where are the tracks?). The verb 'è' means 'is', and 'sono' means 'are'. Always use 'Scusi' before the question when addressing a stranger.
When to use it
Use 'Scusi' with anyone you don't know, especially older people or officials. Use 'Scusa' with friends, family, or peers. When asking for repetition, 'Può ripetere?' is formal; 'Puoi ripetere?' is informal. If you didn't understand at all, say 'Non ho capito' (I didn't understand). In cities like Milan or Rome, people may switch to English, but starting in Italian is polite. In the south, you may hear 'a manca' and 'a dritta' instead of 'a sinistra' and 'a destra', but standard forms are always fine.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, dov'è la stazione?
Excuse me, where is the station?SKOO-zee, doh-VEH lah stah-TSYOH-nehSempre dritto, poi a destra.
Straight ahead, then right.SEHM-preh DREET-toh, poy ah DEHS-trahPuò ripetere, per favore?
Can you repeat, please?pwoh ree-PEH-teh-reh, pehr fah-VOH-rehSì. Sempre dritto, poi a destra.
Yes. Straight ahead, then right.see. SEHM-preh DREET-toh, poy ah DEHS-trahGrazie. È lontano?
Thank you. Is it far?GRAH-tsyeh. eh lohn-TAH-nohNo, cinque minuti a piedi.
No, five minutes on foot.noh, CHEEN-kweh mee-NOO-tee ah PYEH-deeA little context goes a long way
In Italy, 'Scusi' is essential when stopping a stranger. Using 'tu' (informal you) with someone you don't know can seem rude, so stick to 'Lei' (formal you) until invited otherwise. In tourist areas, many people speak English, but attempting Italian is appreciated. Regional terms like 'a manca' (left) and 'a dritta' (right) are common in the south, but standard Italian is understood everywhere. When asking for repetition, a smile and 'Può ripetere?' works well.
One thing to watch for
Using 'a sinistra' when you mean 'on the left' but saying 'sinistra' alone or confusing 'destra' with 'dritto'.
Try this instead: Always use 'a' before 'sinistra' or 'destra': 'a sinistra' (on/to the left), 'a destra' (on/to the right). 'Dritto' means straight, not right. For example: 'Vada a destra' (Go to the right) vs. 'Vada dritto' (Go straight).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Where is the station?' in Italian?
Show a sample answer
Dov'è la stazione?
This uses 'Dov'è' (where is) + 'la stazione' (the station). You can also say 'Scusi, dov'è la stazione?' to be polite. Both are correct.
2What does 'Sempre dritto, poi a sinistra' mean?
Show a sample answer
Straight ahead, then left.
'Sempre dritto' means straight ahead, 'poi' means then, 'a sinistra' means left. The order of directions can be reversed: 'A sinistra, poi sempre dritto' also works.
3How do you politely ask someone to repeat?
Show a sample answer
Può ripetere, per favore?
This uses the formal 'Può' (can you) + 'ripetere' (repeat) + 'per favore' (please). With a friend, you can say 'Puoi ripetere?' Both are correct depending on formality.
Use 'Scusi, dov'è...?' to ask for locations, listen for 'a sinistra', 'a destra', and 'sempre dritto', and don't hesitate to say 'Può ripetere?' if you need repetition. Politeness opens doors.
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