A Complete Guide to 51 Different Directions in Chinese

Navigating a new city or country can be daunting, but knowing how to ask for directions can make all the difference.
Whether you’re traveling, living abroad, or simply learning the language, understanding basic directional words in Chinese is an essential skill.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key phrases and vocabulary you need to confidently find your way around.
From basic directional terms and describing locations to asking for directions and navigating public transportation, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this guide of 50+ key words and phrases, you’ll be ready to explore Chinese-speaking cities with ease!
⬇️⬇️ Don’t miss our Directions Quiz below ⬇️⬇️
Directions in Chinese || Basic Directional Words
Directions in Chinese || Describing Locations
Directions in Chinese || Asking for Directions
Directions in Chinese || Navigating Public Transportation
Directions in Chinese || FAQs
1. Directions in Chinese || Basic Directional Words
First, let’s get to learn some essential words to describe directions. So you know what to say when you’re pointing somewhere.
➡️ 东 (dōng) – East
太阳从东边升起。
The sun rises in the east.⬅️ 西 (xī) – West
图书馆在学校的西边。
The library is on the west side of the school.⬇️ 南 (nán) – South
超市在街道的南边。
The supermarket is on the south side of the street.⬆️ 北 (běi) – North
北边有一个很大的公园。
There’s a big park to the north.里面 (lǐ miàn) – Inside
餐厅在商场里面。
The restaurant is inside the mall.外面 (wài miàn) – Outside
外面正在下雨。
It’s raining outside.旁边 (páng biān) – Beside / Next to
银行在超市旁边。
The bank is next to the supermarket.对面 (duì miàn) – Opposite / Across From
电影院就在学校对面。
The cinema is right across from the school.

2. Directions in Chinese || Describing Locations
There are certain occasions when you describe something not in a specific place but in the surrounding environment and its relations.
So you can use these words.
尽头 (jìn tóu) – End of
在这条路的尽头左转。
Turn left at the end of this road.附近 (fù jìn) – Nearby
我们就在附近。
We’re just nearby.中间 (zhōng jiān) – In the middle
商场在这两个建筑的中间。
The mall is in the middle of these two buildings.周围 (zhōu wéi) – Around / Surrounding
学校周围有很多餐馆。
There are many restaurants around the school.角落 (jiǎo luò) – Corner
猫躲在房间的角落里。
The cat is hiding in the corner of the room.
The Complete Guide to Countries & Capitals in Chinese
You may know how to say China in Chinese but what about other countries? Let’s learn how to name all the countries and their capital cities in Chinese.
上面 (shàng miàn) – Above / On top of
书在桌子上面。
The book is on top of the table.下面 (xià miàn) – Below / Underneath
猫在椅子下面。
The cat is underneath the chair.两旁 (liǎng páng) – On both sides
这条路的两旁都是树。
There are trees on both sides of the road.对角线 (duì jiǎo) – Diagonally
咖啡馆在超市的对角。
The café is diagonally opposite the supermarket.3. Directions in Chinese || Asking for Directions
Now you know how to describe directions. Here, you can learn some useful words to ask for directions in a complete sentence.
去 (qù) – To go
我该怎么去火车站?
How do I get to the train station?过 (guò) – Cross
请过马路后向右走。
Please cross the street and then turn right.靠近 (kào jìn) – Near
这家咖啡店靠近哪儿?
Where is this café near?在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ) – Where is…?
请问洗手间在哪里?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?

怎么走 (zěn me zǒu) – How to get there?
到火车站怎么走?
How do I get to the train station?离 (lí) – Away from
这里离最近的地铁站有多远?
How far is the nearest subway station from here?往 (wǎng) – Towards
往前走,你会看到一个红绿灯。
Walk towards the front, and you’ll see a traffic light.往哪边 (wǎng nǎ biān) – Toward which way?
去博物馆往哪边走?
Which way do I go to get to the museum?拐 (guǎi) – Turn
请在前面的红绿灯处左拐。
Please turn left at the traffic light ahead.走多远 (zǒu duō yuǎn) – How far to walk?
从这里到超市要走多远?
How far do I need to walk to get to the supermarket from here?沿着 (yán zhe) – Along
沿着这条路一直走。
Walk straight along this road.4. Directions in Chinese || Navigating Public Transportation
It’s practical to learn some words to navigate public transportation as well.
In the big cities in China, it’s very common to use subways or buses to get around. The system can be pretty complex, and these words will help you navigate without getting lost.
到达 (dào dá) – Arrive
火车什么时候到达北京?
When does the train arrive in Beijing?出发 (chū fā) – Depart
地铁几点出发?
What time does the subway depart?前往 (qián wǎng) – Head to
我现在要前往地铁站。
I’m heading to the subway station now.经过 (jīng guò) – Pass through
这条公交线路会经过市中心吗?
Does this bus route pass through the city center?直达 (zhí dá) – Direct
有去机场的直达车吗?
Is there a direct bus to the airport?换乘 (huàn chéng) – Transfer
我在哪里换乘去地铁4号线?
Where do I transfer to Line 4 of the subway?下一个 (xià yī gè) – Next
在下一个路口左转。
Turn left at the next intersection.出口 (chū kǒu) – Exit
请问地铁的出口在哪里?
Excuse me, where is the subway exit?上车 (shàng chē) – Get on the bus/train
你可以在这里上车。
You can get on the bus/train here.下车 (xià chē) – Get off the bus/train
在第三站下车。
Get off at the third stop.
终点站 (zhōng diǎn zhàn) – Terminal station
这趟车的终点站是哪里?
Where is the terminal station for this route?走过 (zǒu guò) – Walk past
走过两个路口就到了。
Walk past two intersections and you’ll be there.Voilà, here you go. Now, keep practicing with the words. If you can remember them all and use them smoothly, you will have no trouble getting anywhere in China.
Directions in Chinese – QUIZ
BONUS || Why not check out how to say Directions in Japanese and Directions in Spanish!
Directions in Chinese || FAQs
How do you say Up in Chinese?
Up
xiàng shàng
向上
How do you say North in Chinese?
North
běi
北
How do you say Down in Chinese?
Down
xiàng xià
向下
How do you say South in Chinese?
South
nán
南
How do you say West in Chinese?
West
xī
西
How do you say East in Chinese?
East
dōng
东
How do you say Left & Right in Chinese?
Left
zuǒ biān
左边
Right
yòu biān
右边
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11 comments
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