Question 1

Why does this sentence use Hay que instead of Tienes que?

Accepted Answer

Hay que is an impersonal way to say "one must" or "you have to" in a general sense, which is perfect for giving standard directions. If you want to speak directly to the specific person you are guiding, you could definitely use Tienes que girar (You have to turn) instead.

Question 2

Since this lesson is about prepositions of movement, could I use hacia here and say girar hacia la derecha?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! Girar a la derecha is the standard, everyday phrase for "turn right." If you say girar hacia la derecha, it literally means "turn towards the right." It sounds a bit more focused on the physical direction you are pointing your vehicle or body, but both work perfectly.

Question 3

How would I use hasta (until/as far as) with a traffic light when giving directions like this?

Accepted Answer

You use hasta to tell someone the limit of where they should drive or walk before making their next move. For example, before they turn, you might say: Hay que seguir hasta el semáforo (You have to keep going up to or as far as the traffic light).

Question 4

Why does it say en el semáforo for "at the traffic light"? Doesn't en mean "in"?

Accepted Answer

While en often means "in" or "on," it is also the standard Spanish translation for being "at" a specific stationary location. English switches between "in," "on," and "at," but Spanish just uses en to show you are located at that spot. Avoid using a here, because a usually implies active movement to a destination, rather than the spot where the turn happens.

Hay que girar a la derecha en el semáforo.

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