wènlù

wènlù is a Mandarin Chinese verb phrase meaning “to ask for directions” or “to ask the way.” It is commonly used when a person needs information about how to reach a destination, such as a train station, a shop, or a neighborhood.

Etymology and pronunciation: The term is formed by 问 (wèn), meaning “to ask,” and 路 (lù), meaning “road” or “way.” In standard Mandarin, both characters carry the fourth tone, so the pronunciation is wènlù.

Usage and common phrases: The polite opener 请问 (qǐngwèn, “may I ask”) is often used before a direction question. Typical constructions include 请问去……怎么走？ (Please tell me how to get to …?) 你能告诉我去……怎么走吗？ (Can you tell me how to go to …?) 这条路怎么走？ (How do I get there by this road?) People may respond with landmarks and simple directions, such as 直走 (zhí zǒu, go straight), 左转 (zuǒzhuǎn, turn left), or 右转 (yòuzhuǎn, turn right), sometimes including approximate distances or the names of intersections.

Practical notes: In daily life, wènlù is often supplemented by maps, GPS apps, or local knowledge. The level of detail in directions can vary, with urban areas typically offering clearer landmark-based guidance and rural areas sometimes relying on more general routes. The phrase is neutral and widely understood across Chinese-speaking regions.

Related terms include 导航 (dǎoháng or dǎohàng, navigation) and 地图 (dìtú, map), which are commonly used as tools alongside asking for directions.