Can you show me on the map?
Map request
Use this phrase to turn confusing verbal directions into a clear, visual path to your destination.
En 15 secondes
- A polite request for visual directions on a map or screen.
- Best used when verbal directions are too confusing to follow.
- Works perfectly with both paper maps and smartphone GPS apps.
Signification
This is a polite way to ask someone to point to a specific location on a map or phone screen. It helps you visualize exactly where you need to go when words aren't enough.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Asking a hotel concierge
Excuse me, can you show me on the map where the museum is?
Excuse me, can you show me on the map where the museum is?
Talking to a local on the street
I'm a bit lost, can you show me on the map?
I'm a bit lost, can you show me on the map?
Texting a friend about a party
I can't find the house, can you show me on the map? Send a pin!
I can't find the house, can you show me on the map? Send a pin!
Contexte culturel
This phrase transitioned from paper maps to digital screens over the last decade. In many Western cities, 'wayfinding' is a point of pride, and locals often enjoy showing off their knowledge of hidden gems. Interestingly, in the UK or US, people might even take your phone to zoom in for you, which is a sign of being helpful.
The Power of 'Excuse Me'
Always start with `Excuse me` before asking. It opens the conversation politely and makes people much more likely to stop and help you.
Digital Etiquette
If you use a phone, it's common to say `Can you drop a pin?` in a text. This means sending the exact GPS coordinates through an app like WhatsApp or Google Maps.
En 15 secondes
- A polite request for visual directions on a map or screen.
- Best used when verbal directions are too confusing to follow.
- Works perfectly with both paper maps and smartphone GPS apps.
What It Means
Can you show me on the map? is your ultimate travel lifeline. It is a request for visual help. Sometimes, hearing 'turn left at the big tree' is confusing. This phrase asks the other person to point. It turns a verbal direction into a clear picture. It is simple, direct, and very helpful.
How To Use It
Use this when you feel lost or confused. You can hold out your paper map. You can also hold out your smartphone. Start with Excuse me to be extra polite. Then, ask the question while pointing at your device. People usually respond by pointing or zooming in on your screen. It is a very active way to learn your way around.
When To Use It
You should use this in any new city. Use it at a hotel front desk. Use it when talking to a friendly local on the street. It is great for confirming you are in the right spot. If a friend tells you about a cool new cafe, use this. It ensures you don't end up five miles away by mistake.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are driving a car. Safety first! Wait until you are parked. Also, do not shove your phone in a stranger's face. Give them some personal space first. If someone looks very busy or is running, maybe ask someone else. It requires a moment of their time to look closely.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, people generally like being helpful to tourists. Maps used to be giant pieces of paper. Now, they are almost always on phones. Asking for visual help is seen as smart, not silly. It shows you are trying to learn the local area. Most people find it easier to point than to explain long directions anyway.
Common Variations
You might hear Could you point it out? or Where is that exactly?. Some people say Can you pin it for me? when using digital maps. If you are feeling casual, you can say Show me where we are. All of these aim for the same goal: visual clarity.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure you have the map ready before you ask, so you don't waste the other person's time while you search for the app.
The Power of 'Excuse Me'
Always start with `Excuse me` before asking. It opens the conversation politely and makes people much more likely to stop and help you.
Digital Etiquette
If you use a phone, it's common to say `Can you drop a pin?` in a text. This means sending the exact GPS coordinates through an app like WhatsApp or Google Maps.
Screen Brightness
If it's a sunny day, make sure your phone brightness is up before asking! It's awkward if the other person can't see the screen you're asking them to look at.
Exemples
6Excuse me, can you show me on the map where the museum is?
Excuse me, can you show me on the map where the museum is?
A standard, polite way to get help in a professional setting.
I'm a bit lost, can you show me on the map?
I'm a bit lost, can you show me on the map?
Short and direct for a quick interaction with a stranger.
I can't find the house, can you show me on the map? Send a pin!
I can't find the house, can you show me on the map? Send a pin!
Modern usage referring to sharing a digital location.
Your directions are terrible, please just show me on the map!
Your directions are terrible, please just show me on the map!
Using the phrase to stop a friend's confusing explanation.
I'm so tired of walking in circles; can you show me on the map where the exit is?
I'm so tired of walking in circles; can you show me on the map where the exit is?
Expressing a need for help when frustrated.
That sounds like a great area; can you show me on the map?
That sounds like a great area; can you show me on the map?
Using the phrase to understand a business context better.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to ask for directions politely.
Excuse me, I'm lost. ___ you show me on the map?
`Can` is used here to ask about someone's ability or willingness to help you.
Choose the best word to complete the request.
Can you show me ___ the map?
We use the preposition `on` for surfaces like maps, screens, or pages.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Asking for Directions
Used with friends.
Where is this? Show me.
Perfect for most situations.
Can you show me on the map?
Very polite for strangers.
Would you mind showing me the location on this map?
When to Ask for a Map Visual
At a Tourist Info Center
Finding local landmarks.
Hiking in a Park
Checking the trail path.
In a Taxi
Showing the driver the destination.
Meeting Friends
Finding the specific bar.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly neutral. To make it even more polite, you can say Could you instead of Can you.
Absolutely! It is used for both paper maps and apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
You can ask Can you draw me a map? or Can you tell me the way? instead.
In English, we almost always say on the map. Saying in the map sounds incorrect to native speakers.
It is a modern slang version of this phrase. It means sending your digital location to someone else's phone.
Both work! The map is general, while this map refers specifically to the one you are holding.
This phrase is great because pointing is a universal language. Even if they don't understand every word, the map provides context.
In most English-speaking countries, it is common, but be careful. Usually, just holding the phone out so they can see it is enough.
Yes, if you are discussing a physical location like a new office or a sales territory, it is very professional.
Forgetting the word me. Saying Can you show on the map? sounds slightly incomplete.
Expressions liées
Point it out
To show exactly where something is with a finger.
Give me directions
To tell someone the steps to get to a place.
Drop a pin
To share a digital location on a smartphone.
I'm lost
A way to admit you don't know where you are.
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