直走，然后左转。

How it works

This phrase links two sequential commands using 然后 (ránhòu). The directional verbs are formed by placing the direction directly before the action.

• 直走 (zhí zǒu): straight + walk (go straight)
• 然后 (rán hòu): then / after that
• 左转 (zuǒ zhuǎn): left + turn (turn left)

Word order

In Chinese, spatial adverbs like 直 (straight) and 左 (left) must precede the verbs they modify, such as 走 (walk) and 转 (turn). You cannot put the direction after the verb as you do in English.

Related directions

When listening to directions, you will likely hear variations of these core movements. You can easily swap the directional words to navigate different routes.

• 右转 (yòu zhuǎn): turn right
• 往前走 (wǎng qián zǒu): walk forward (a common alternative to 直走)
• 一直走 (yì zhí zǒu): keep going straight continuously

Tone sandhi

Pay attention to the consecutive third tones in 'zuǒ zhuǎn' (左转). Following the third-tone sandhi rule, the first syllable (zuǒ) is pronounced as a second (rising) tone in natural speech, even though its pinyin retains the third-tone mark.

Notes

A standard sequence for giving or receiving directions, using 'ránhòu' to connect consecutive actions.