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PhrasesAsking DirectionsPuò indicarmi il percorso?
B1formal

Può indicarmi il percorso?

Can you show me the route?

Pronunciation

in-di-CAR-mi — stress on third syllable. per-COR-so — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When asking someone to physically show or trace the route on a map rather than just describe it verbally.

What it means

'Indicare' (to indicate/show) is more specific than 'spiegare' (to explain). 'Il percorso' (the route/path). 'Mi indicarmi' = indicate to me (indirect object pronoun). This phrasing naturally leads the person to show you rather than just tell you — more useful for complex routes.

Variations

Può mostrarmi sul telefono?

Can you show me on the phone?

Pointing at the phone screen often works better than words

Mi può disegnare il percorso?

Can you draw the route for me?

Ask for a hand-drawn sketch — very Italian approach

Può accompagnarmi fino all'angolo?

Can you walk with me to the corner?

Asking a local to walk part of the way — often accepted warmly

Mini Dialogue

— Può indicarmi il percorso per arrivare alla stazione? — Guardi, è semplice: da qui va dritto per questa via, poi quando vede la grande piazza, gira a sinistra. La stazione è a cento metri. — Potrebbe segnarlo sulla mappa? — Certo — tenga, gliel'ho disegnato.

— Can you show me the route to get to the station? — Look, it's simple: from here go straight along this street, then when you see the large square, turn left. The station is a hundred metres away. — Could you mark it on the map? — Of course — here, I've drawn it for you.

Cultural Note

Drawing directions on a map or piece of paper is a very Italian way of helping a stranger. Some locals will even tear off a piece of their newspaper to sketch a map. This tactile approach to helping is part of the Italian hospitality culture. Always say 'è molto gentile' (you're very kind) after such help.