Lesson 23 – Directions

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’re focusing on asking for and giving directions in Polish. Whether you’re traveling in Poland or exploring a new city, these phrases will help you navigate confidently. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to ask for directions, understand responses, and give directions yourself. Let’s get started!

Why Learn How to Ask for Directions?

Knowing how to ask for and understand directions is essential for:

• Navigating unfamiliar places.
• Building confidence while traveling.
• Practicing real-life conversational Polish.

Key Phrases for Asking for Directions

Here are some essential phrases for asking for directions:

Using Direction Phrases in Context

Let’s see how these phrases work in real-life dialogues:

1. Asking for Directions:
   • Ty: Przepraszam, gdzie jest najbliższa apteka?
     (Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?)
   • Przechodzień: Apteka jest za rogiem.
     (The pharmacy is around the corner.)
2. Understanding Directions:
   • Ty: Jak dojść do dworca kolejowego?
     (How do I get to the train station?)
   • Przechodzień: Idź prosto, a potem skręć w prawo.
     (Go straight, then turn right.)
3. Asking About Distance:
   • Ty: Jak daleko jest do muzeum?
     (How far is it to the museum?)
   • Przechodzień: To jest około dziesięć minut spacerem.
     (It’s about a ten-minute walk.)

Grammar Notes

1. Prepositions with Directions:
   • Use do (to) + genitive case when talking about going to a place.
     • Idę do sklepu. – I’m going to the store.
   • Use w (in/at) + locative case when talking about being at a place.
     • Jestem w parku. – I’m in the park.
2. Verb Conjugation:
   • Use the imperative form for giving directions. For example:
     • Idź prosto. – Go straight.
     • Skręć w lewo. – Turn left.

Practice Tasks

1. Fill in the Blanks:
   Complete the sentences with the correct direction phrase:
   • ___ (Where is) najbliższa poczta?
   • ___ (How do I get to) dworca autobusowego?
   • ___ (Please go) prosto.
   • ___ (It is next to) parku.
2. Translate These Sentences:
   • Where is the nearest café?
   • How do I get to the museum?
   • Please turn left at the traffic lights.
   • The train station is opposite the park.
3. Create Your Own Dialogues:
   Write and practice a dialogue where you ask for directions to a specific place. For example:
   • Ty: Przepraszam, gdzie jest biblioteka?
     (Excuse me, where is the library?)
   • Przechodzień: Biblioteka jest obok szkoły.
     (The library is next to the school.)

Cultural Tip: Politeness in Poland

When asking for directions in Poland, it’s important to be polite. Start with Przepraszam (Excuse me) and use proszę (please) when asking for help. Always thank the person with Dziękuję (Thank you) or Dziękuję bardzo (Thank you very much).

Homework

1. Write 5 questions asking for directions to different places (e.g., the train station, the post office, the museum).
2. Practice giving directions to a friend or recording yourself.
3. Bonus: Look up a map of a Polish city and practice giving directions from one place to another.

That’s it for Lesson 23! You’ve now mastered how to ask for and give directions in Polish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating like a pro. Do zobaczenia! 😊