Directions

1. Como chego ao centro histórico?

   How do I get to the historic center?

   Usage

   Used to ask for directions to the historic center in Lisbon or Porto

   Grammar Note

   "Chegar" is to arrive/get to. "ao" = "a + o". Swap: "Como chego à praia?" (to the beach?)

2. Vire à direita

   Turn right

   Usage

   Used when giving or receiving directions to turn right

   Grammar Note

   Essential counterparts: "Vire à esquerda" (turn left), "Siga em frente" (go straight ahead)

3. É a dois quarteirões daqui

   It's two blocks from here

   Usage

   Used to describe distance in city blocks

   Grammar Note

   "Quarteirão" means city block. In Brazil, "quadra" is also used. "Daqui" = "de + aqui" (from here)

4. Fica longe daqui?

   Is it far from here?

   Usage

   Used to gauge whether a destination is within walking distance

   Grammar Note

   "Ficar" expresses location. Opposite: "Fica perto" (it's close). "É longe" is also acceptable

5. Apanhe o elétrico número 28

   Take tram number 28

   Usage

   Used to give transit directions via Lisbon's famous tram 28

   Grammar Note

   Lisbon's tram 28. Portugal uses "apanhar" for boarding and "elétrico" for tram; Brazil uses "pegar" and "bonde". Swap: "Apanhe o metro" (take the metro)

6. Está logo ali em frente

   It's right over there in front

   Usage

   Simple phrase to indicate something is right in front of you

   Grammar Note

   "Logo" means right/just. "Ali" (there, nearby) vs. "lá" (there, further). "Aqui" = here

7. Desculpe, estou perdido/a

   Excuse me, I'm lost

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention when you're lost and need help

   Grammar Note

   "Perdido" (male) / "perdida" (female). Follow up with "Pode me ajudar?" (Can you help me?)

8. Pode indicar no mapa?

   Can you point it out on the map?

   Usage

   Used when verbal directions are unclear and you need someone to point on a map

   Grammar Note

   "Indicar" means to indicate/point out. Open a map app on your phone while using this phrase

9. Quanto tempo leva a pé?

   How long does it take on foot?

   Usage

   Used to estimate walking time to a destination

   Grammar Note

   "Levar" means to take (time). Swap transport: "de carro" (by car), "de metro" (by metro)

10. É logo depois da esquina

    It's just around the corner

    Usage

    Used to indicate something is very close, just past the nearest corner

    Grammar Note

    "Logo" = just/right. "Da" = "de + a". Also use: "Dobre a esquina" (turn the corner)

11. à direita

    Right

    Usage

    A single word to show a direction in a taxi or on the street, readable while moving

12. à esquerda

    Left

    Usage

    A single word to show a direction in a taxi or on the street

13. em frente

    Straight ahead

    Usage

    Show it to say "keep going"; "sempre em frente" means straight on all the way

14. voltar

    Go back

    Usage

    Show it when you have gone too far and want to turn back; a U-turn is "fazer o retorno" (BR) / "inverter a marcha" (PT)

15. pare

    Stop

    Usage

    Show it to have the driver pull over; the road sign reads "PARE" in Brazil and "STOP" in Portugal

16. o norte

    North

    Usage

    Match it against a map or a motorway sign

17. o sul

    South

    Usage

    Match it against a map or a motorway sign

18. o leste

    East

    Usage

    East; "leste" is the normal form in Brazil. Portugal uses "leste" too but also writes "este", which collides with the demonstrative "este" (this), so "leste" is used here. Portuguese signs may also read "nascente" or "oriente"

19. o oeste

    West

    Usage

    Match it against a map or a sign; the same word in Portugal and Brazil

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