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问路 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
问路wènlùto ask for directionsHSK 2, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #18817, Easy
问路wènlùto ask the way (to some place)HSK 2, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #18817, Easy
wènlù(wen4lu4)wen lu T4
  1. 1to ask for directions
  2. 2to ask the way (to some place)
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March 24, 2026

问路(問路)wènlù(wen4lu4)

问路 (wèn lù) means 'to ask for directions' or 'to inquire about the way to a specific location.' This phrase is commonly used when someone is lost or needs assistance in navigating an area, often during travel or in unfamiliar places.

Strokes19Frequency#18817DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In China, asking for directions is a common practice, especially in crowded urban settings. People are generally willing to help, and knowing how to ask for directions can enhance travel experiences.

Memory Tip

Imagine a traveler (问) holding a map and looking confused (路) in front of a crossroads. They raise their hand, asking passersby for help. The character 问 starts with a 'mouth' radical, symbolizing the act of asking, while 路 represents the path or road, visually connecting the two concepts.

Meanings of 问路

wènlù(wen4lu4)
1to ask for directions
2to ask the way (to some place)
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About 问路

问路Simplified
問路Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

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AI Study Notes for 问路

Quick Contrast

询问 (xún wèn) — use 问路 when specifically asking for directions, while 询问 is a general term for inquiring or asking questions.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 问路 in overly formal contexts where a simpler phrase would suffice. It is often used in informal situations. Be cautious with tones; mispronouncing 问 can change the meaning entirely, leading to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 问路 is not an HSK word, it connects to HSK Level 1 vocabulary, such as '问' (to ask) and '路' (road). Students should focus on these individual components to understand how they combine to form useful phrases.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 问路 with asking for information in general. For example, saying '我问路' (I ask the road) instead of '我想问路' (I want to ask for directions) can lead to confusion. Always include the intention behind asking.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 问路

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Component Characters

问wènto ask
HSK 16 strokes门
View full entry
路lùroad
HSK 213 strokes足
View full entry

How to say to ask for directions in Chinese

“to ask for directions” in Chinese is问路wènlù

问路 (wèn lù) means 'to ask for directions' or 'to inquire about the way to a specific location.' This phrase is commonly used when someone is lost or needs assistance in navigating an area, often during travel or in unfamiliar places.

When to use 问路

Common mistakes include using 问路 in overly formal contexts where a simpler phrase would suffice. It is often used in informal situations. Be cautious with tones; mispronouncing 问 can change the meaning entirely, leading to misunderstandings.

问路 or something close to it

询问 (xún wèn) — use 问路 when specifically asking for directions, while 询问 is a general term for inquiring or asking questions.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 问路 with asking for information in general. For example, saying '我问路' (I ask the road) instead of '我想问路' (I want to ask for directions) can lead to confusion. Always include the intention behind asking.

Write 问路

问
路

Practice writing 问路 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 问路

You can say, '我想问路去车站' (Wǒ xiǎng wèn lù qù chēzhàn), which means 'I would like to ask for directions to the bus station.'

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