Day 36 · Directions & Navigation 🧭
1 · Core Words (12)
2 · Typical Phrases (6)
Wam paththata harenna — Turn left
Dakunu paththata yanna — Go right
Kelinma yanna — Go straight
Meeka durada? — Is it far?
Palama passe — After the bridge
Pansala langada? — Near the temple?
3 · Dialogue
(Excuse me, where is the station?)
B: Kelinma yanna, ita passe wam paththata.
(Go straight, then turn left.)
A: Meeka durada?
(Is it far?)
B: Næ, langai.
(No, it is near.)
A: Palama passe da?
(After the bridge?)
B: Ow, palama passe, pansala issaraha.
(Yes, after the bridge, before the temple.)
A: Bohoma stuti!
(Thank you very much!)
B: Prashnayak næ.
(No problem.)
4 · Cultural Note 🇱🇰
Sri Lankans usually explain directions using landmarks, not street names. Temples, bridges, big trees, and shops become natural GPS points. People often walk a few steps with you to show the way. Asking twice from different people is totally normal. Distances are described as “langai” or “durai” rather than meters. Smiling while asking directions opens many hearts. Even bus drivers help with navigation. Maps are useful, but local advice is better. The word “issaraha” can mean both “before” and “in front of.” Learning these phrases makes you feel like a real local traveler.