How to Ask for Help
- English level
- Level 1
- Topic
- Travel
- Estimated reading time
- 1 min

You are lost in a new city.
Do not worry - every traveler needs help sometimes.
Start with "Excuse me." This small phrase is very polite.

Then say "Can you help me?" Most people will stop and listen.
You can ask "Where is the station?" Ask "How do I get to the hotel?" Point to a map.
People understand pointing very well.
Most people are happy to help a traveler.

A smile also helps a lot.
After they help you, say "Thank you very much." You only need a few words to ask for help.
Practice before your trip.

Key Vocabulary
Lost (v) Past and past participle of lose.UK: lɒstUS: lɔːstLearn more
Map (n) A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc.UK: mæpUS: mæpLearn more
Phrase (n) A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause.UK: freɪzUS: freɪzLearn more
Polite (adj) Having or showing behaviour that is respectful and considerate of other people.UK: pəˈlaɪtUS: pəˈlaɪtLearn more
Smile (v) Make a happy or friendly expression with your mouth, often showing your teethUK: smaɪlUS: smaɪlLearn more
Traveler (n) A person who is travelling or who travels often, especially to many different placesUK: ˈtræv.əl.ərUS: ˈtræv.əl.ɚLearn more

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