Translation Standard Phrases a

Dialogue
Andrea: Excuse me. Can you tell me how to get to the post office?
Man on the street: No, I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’m from out of town.
(a minute later)
Andrea: Excuse me. Do you know where the post office is?
Second man: Sure. It’s not far from here. Walk straight ahead until you get to Main Street. Then…
Andrea: Sorry to interrupt you. How many blocks is that?
Second man: It’s about two or three blocks. It’s the first traffic light you come to. When you get to Main Street, turn right and walk one block to Broadway. Then turn left and go about half a block.
Andrea: Which side of the street is it on?
Second man: Coming from this direction, it will be on your right side. It’s in the middle of the block, next to the Ice Cream Shop. You can’t miss it. Do you want me to repeat any of that?
Andrea: No. That’s okay; I’ve got it. Thanks a lot.
Second man: You’re welcome.

Useful phrases
1. Can you tell me how to get to the post office?
Can you tell me where the post office is?
Do you know where the post office is?
the museum
the theater

2. I’m sorry. I don’t know.
I’m afraid not.
I’m afraid I can’t

3. I’m from out of town.
I don’t live here. I’m just a visitor.
I really don’t know the city very well.

4. Sure it’s not far from here.
Yes. It’s quite close to here.
It’s only about a ten minute walk from here.
5. Walk straight ahead until you get to Main Street.
Walk down the street…
Walk three blocks…
Walk up the block…
Keep walking in this direction until…

6. How many blocks is that?
How far is that?

7. It’s about two or three blocks.
It’s about a five minute walk.

8. It’s the first traffic light you come to.
It’s the second intersection you come to.

9. Turn right.
Turn left.

10. It’ll be on your right side.
It’s on your left.

11. It’s next to the Ice Cream Shop.
It’s beside the bank.
It’s between the pharmacy and the bank.
It’s across the street from a big church.

12. It’s in the middle of the block.
It’s at the end of the block.
It’s on the corner.

13. You can’t miss it.
It’s easy to find.

14. Do you want me to repeat any of that?
Is that clear?
Do you understand?

15. No. That’s okay. I’ve got it.
It’s okay. I understand.
Yes. It’s very clear.