Directions

Directions in Chinese (方向) are essential for giving and understanding instructions, describing locations, and navigating. This topic covers key vocabulary such as 东 (east), 西 (west), 南 (south), 北 (north), 前 (front), 后 (back), 左 (left), 右 (right), and phrases like 在...旁边 (next to) and 在...对面 (opposite). You'll learn to ask for and give directions using structures like 请问，怎么去...？(Excuse me, how do I get to...?) and 一直走 (go straight). Mastering directions is crucial for the Edexcel GCSE Chinese speaking and writing exams, as it often appears in role-plays and transactional tasks.

Understanding directions also helps you describe your town or city, give simple instructions, and understand maps or signs. In the exam, you might be asked to describe a route or explain where places are located. This topic builds on basic location phrases (在...里/上/下) and is closely linked to the 'Local area, holiday and travel' theme. Practising with real-life scenarios, like giving directions to a tourist or describing your school layout, will boost your confidence and fluency.

For the Edexcel GCSE, you need to know both the vocabulary and the grammatical structures for giving directions. Pay attention to word order: in Chinese, the location phrase usually comes before the verb (e.g., 在学校旁边有一个超市 - There is a supermarket next to the school). You'll also need to use directional complements like 进去 (go in) and 出来 (come out). By the end of this topic, you should be able to give clear directions and understand them when spoken or written.