Politely Clarifying a Taxi Route | Learn Chinese in English

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Use Politely Clarifying a Taxi Route to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

不好意思，因为堵车，我们要走另一条路线吗？

bú hǎo yìsi, yīnwèi dǔchē, wǒmen yào zǒu lìng yì tiáo lùxiàn ma? Excuse me, are we taking a different route because of traffic?

前面的路被堵住了，所以我需要绕路。

qiánmiàn de lù bèi dǔzhù le, suǒyǐ wǒ xūyào rào lù. The road ahead is blocked, so I need to take a detour.

我这么问是因为我不熟悉这个地方。

wǒ zhème wèn shì yīnwèi wǒ bù shúxī zhège dìfang. I was asking because I don't recognize this area.

这条路稍微远一点，不过应该能让我们继续走。

zhè tiáo lù shāowéi yuǎn yìdiǎn, búguò yīnggāi néng ràng wǒmen jìxù zǒu. This way is a little longer, but it should keep us moving.

如果可以的话，我们能一直走大路吗？

rúguǒ kěyǐ dehuà, wǒmen néng yìzhí zǒu dàlù ma? Could we stay on larger roads if possible?

可以。

kěyǐ. I can do that.

可能会多花几分钟。

kěnéng huì duō huā jǐ fēnzhōng. It may add a few minutes.

不过这样会更容易看懂路线。

búguò zhèyàng huì gèng róngyì kàndǒng lùxiàn. But it will be easier to follow.

这样就可以。我不着急。

zhèyàng jiù kěyǐ. wǒ bù zháojí. That works. I'm not in a hurry.

从这里开始，我会避开小巷。

cóng zhèlǐ kāishǐ, wǒ huì bìkāi xiǎoxiàng. I'll avoid the small side streets from here.

谢谢你解释这条路线。

xièxie nǐ jiěshì zhè tiáo lùxiàn. I appreciate you explaining the route.

如果我还需要再改变路线，我会告诉你。

rúguǒ wǒ hái xūyào zài gǎibiàn lùxiàn, wǒ huì gàosu nǐ. I'll let you know if I need to change it again.

Word by Word

不好意思 “不好意思” is a polite way to say “excuse me” before asking the taxi driver a question. In this expression, “不” contributes the negative element and “好意思” relates to feeling comfortable imposing on someone; together they form a polite apology or attention-getter. A new example is: 不好意思，请问地铁站在哪里？

因为 “因为” introduces the reason for the question: the passenger asks because of traffic. It commonly appears before a reason, often with 所以 introducing the result. A new example is: 因为下雨，我没有出去。

堵车 “堵车” means that traffic is congested or that vehicles are stuck, which explains the changed route here. It is used for a traffic situation and can appear after 因为. A new example is: 今天早上又堵车了。

我们 “我们” refers to the passenger and driver together in “我们要走另一条路线吗？”. It is the subject of the question and can be used before an action to mean “we” or “us” in context. A new example is: 我们现在出发吧。

要 “要” in “我们要走另一条路线吗？” asks whether the shared plan is to take another route. It appears before the action 走 and helps form a question about an intended or necessary action. A new example is: 你要坐公交车吗？

走 “走” in “走另一条路线” means to take or follow a route, not simply to walk. It is commonly placed before a route or road that someone will use. A new example is: 我们走这条路吧。

另一 “另一” means “another” or “a different one” in “另一条路线”. It comes before the measure word 条 and the noun 路线 to identify a route different from the current one. A new example is: 请给我另一杯水。

条 “条” is the measure word used here before 路线 in “另一条路线”. The reusable pattern is number or determiner + 条 + route-like noun, as in 一条路. A new example is: 这是一条小路。

路线 “路线” means the route being followed by the taxi. It can be used after 走 or 改变 to talk about taking or changing a route. A new example is: 我们需要确认路线。

吗 “吗” turns “我们要走另一条路线” into a yes-or-no question. It is placed at the end of a statement when the speaker wants a confirmation. A new example is: 你认识这里吗？

前面 “前面” means the area ahead or in front of the taxi in “前面的路”. It can come before 的 to modify a following noun. A new example is: 前面有一个路口。

的 “的” links “前面” to “路” in “前面的路”, showing that the road is the one ahead. The reusable pattern is a modifying phrase + 的 + noun. A new example is: 门口的车不是我的。

路 “路” means the road in “前面的路被堵住了”. It can be modified by a location phrase such as 前面的 or by a size description such as 大路. A new example is: 这条路很安静。

被 “被” marks the road as the thing affected in “路被堵住了”. It introduces the affected noun before the action or result that happened to it. A new example is: 门被关上了。

堵住 “堵住” describes the road as blocked so that movement cannot continue normally. In “路被堵住了”, it follows 被 and expresses the blocking result. A new example is: 出口被一辆车堵住了。

了 “了” in “被堵住了” marks the new or completed state that the road is now blocked. It comes at the end of the clause describing this changed situation. A new example is: 门开了。

所以 “所以” introduces the consequence of the blocked road: the driver needs to take a detour. It commonly follows a reason and can connect the reason to a result. A new example is: 路很远，所以我们坐车去。

我 “我” refers to the driver as the person who needs to take a detour. It is placed before the action or state being described. A new example is: 我现在很忙。

需要 “需要” means “need” in “我需要绕路”, expressing that taking a detour is necessary because of the blocked road. It commonly comes before an action, noun, or amount that is needed. A new example is: 我需要一点时间。

绕路 “绕路” means to take a detour or go by a longer alternative route. In “我需要绕路”, it follows 需要 as the action required by the road closure. A new example is: 前面不能走，我们得绕路。

这么 “这么” in “我这么问” refers to the manner of asking, meaning “ask like this” or “ask this way”. It appears before the verb 问 and points back to the question just asked. A new example is: 你为什么这么说？

问 “问” means “ask” in “我这么问”. It is used when requesting information and can be followed by the topic or content of the question. A new example is: 我想问一个问题。

是 “是” links “我这么问” with its explanation in “我这么问是因为我不熟悉这个地方”. Here it introduces the reason for the asking rather than identifying a person or object. A new example is: 我来这里是因为工作。

不 “不” negates “熟悉” in “我不熟悉这个地方”, meaning that the speaker is not familiar with the area. It is placed before the word or phrase being negated. A new example is: 我不认识那个人。

熟悉 “熟悉” means being familiar with or knowing an area well enough to recognize it. In “我不熟悉这个地方”, it describes the speaker’s lack of familiarity with this place. A new example is: 我很熟悉这座城市。

这个 “这个” means “this” and identifies the particular place the passenger is currently in. It comes directly before 地方 to form “这个地方”. A new example is: 这个问题不难。

地方 “地方” means a place or area in “这个地方”. It is used after a demonstrative such as 这个 when referring to a specific location. A new example is: 我喜欢这个地方。

这 “这” means “this” and identifies the route currently being discussed in “这条路”. It comes before a measure word and noun when specifying one nearby or relevant thing. A new example is: 这本书很好看。

稍微 “稍微” means “slightly” in “稍微远一点”, softening the statement that this route is farther. It commonly appears before an adjective or degree phrase. A new example is: 请稍微慢一点。

远 “远” means “far”; here it describes the route as being a little farther or longer. In “稍微远一点”, it is followed by 一点 to express a small degree. A new example is: 这里离车站很远。

一点 “一点” means “a little” in “稍微远一点”, limiting the difference in distance. It can follow an adjective to express a small degree. A new example is: 请说慢一点。

不过 “不过” introduces a qualification after saying that the route is farther: it should keep the taxi moving. It is useful for adding a contrasting or balancing point. A new example is: 这件衣服有点贵，不过很漂亮。

应该 “应该” means “should” in “应该能让我们继续走”, expressing the driver’s expectation that the route will keep them moving. It commonly comes before 能 or another verb phrase when giving an expected result. A new example is: 这样应该可以。

能 “能” means “can” or “be able to” in “能让我们继续走”, describing the route’s ability to allow continued movement. It appears before the verb phrase 让我们继续走. A new example is: 这条路能到机场吗？

让 “让” means “let” or “make” in “让我们继续走”, where the route allows the passengers to continue moving. It is followed by the affected person and the action. A new example is: 请让我看看。

继续 “继续” means “continue” in “继续走”, showing that movement carries on rather than stopping. It is placed before the action that continues. A new example is: 请继续说。

如果 “如果” introduces the condition in “如果可以的话”, meaning “if it is possible”. It commonly begins a conditional phrase before the requested action or result. A new example is: 如果你有时间，我们一起吃饭。

可以 “可以” means that something is possible or acceptable in “如果可以的话”. In this sentence it makes the request about staying on larger roads conditional on feasibility. A new example is: 如果可以，请帮我一下。

话 “话” is part of the conditional expression “如果可以的话”, which means “if possible” here. The expression is used to soften a request by making it dependent on the situation. A new example is: 如果方便的话，请给我打电话。

一直 “一直” means “all the way” or continuously in “一直走大路”, describing staying with larger roads throughout the route. It commonly comes before the verb or action that continues. A new example is: 你一直往前走。

大路 “大路” means a main or larger road, contrasted here with the small side streets the driver later plans to avoid. It can follow 走 when describing which kind of road to take. A new example is: 我们先走大路。

可能 “可能” means “possibly” in “可能会多花几分钟”, presenting the extra time as uncertain. It commonly comes before 会 and the possible result. A new example is: 明天可能下雨。

会 “会” in “会多花几分钟” indicates an expected possible result: the route will take extra time. It appears before the verb phrase describing that result. A new example is: 这样会更方便。

多 “多” means “extra” in “多花几分钟”, showing that additional time will be spent. It is used before 花 and the amount of time. A new example is: 这会多花一点钱。

花 “花” means “spend” when used with time in “花几分钟”. The reusable pattern is 花 + amount of time + on an activity or result. A new example is: 从这里走过去要花十分钟。

几 “几” means “a few” in “几分钟”, referring to a small, unspecified number of minutes. It comes before the measure word 分钟. A new example is: 我等了几分钟。

分钟 “分钟” means “minutes” and measures the extra time in “多花几分钟”. It commonly follows a number or 几 when stating a duration. A new example is: 五分钟就到了。

这样 “这样” means “this way” in “这样就可以”, referring to the route arrangement just discussed. It can point to a method or situation that has already been mentioned. A new example is: 这样做比较简单。

更 “更” means “more” in “更容易看懂路线”, comparing this route with the previous option. It is placed before the adjective or description being increased. A new example is: 这样更安全。

容易 “容易” means “easy” in “更容易看懂路线”, describing the route as easier to understand. It commonly comes before a verb-object phrase such as 看懂路线. A new example is: 这篇文章很容易理解。

看懂 “看懂” means to understand something by looking at or reading it, and here refers to understanding the route. It combines 看 with the result of understanding and can be followed by the thing understood. A new example is: 我终于看懂这张地图了。

就 “就” in “这样就可以” marks the result that this arrangement is sufficient or acceptable. It helps connect the proposed way of doing something with the speaker’s approval. A new example is: 这样就够了。

着急 “着急” means to be in a hurry or feel anxious, and “我不着急” says that the passenger does not need a faster route. It can appear after 不 to say that someone is not pressed for time. A new example is: 你不用着急。

从 “从” means “from” in “从这里开始”, marking the starting point of the driver’s change in route choice. It is followed by a place or time and often combines with 开始. A new example is: 从明天开始，我每天走路。

这里 “这里” means “here” and identifies the current location in “从这里开始”. With 从, it marks where the new route choice begins. A new example is: 请在这里下车。

开始 “开始” means “begin” in “从这里开始”, stating when or where the driver will start avoiding the small side streets. It can follow a starting-point phrase such as 从这里. A new example is: 会议八点开始。

避开 “避开” means to avoid or keep away from something, here referring to the small side streets. It is followed by the place or thing being avoided. A new example is: 高峰时间请避开这条路。

小巷 “小巷” means a small side street or alley, the type of road the driver will avoid. It can follow 避开 when describing a route choice. A new example is: 这家店在一条小巷里。

谢谢 “谢谢” means “thanks” and expresses gratitude for the driver’s explanation. It commonly comes before or after the person or action being thanked. A new example is: 谢谢你的帮助。

你 “你” refers to the driver in “谢谢你解释这条路线”. It identifies the person receiving the thanks and comes before the action phrase that explains what the person did. A new example is: 你先进去吧。

解释 “解释” means “explain” in “解释这条路线”, referring to making the route clear to the passenger. It can be followed directly by the topic being explained. A new example is: 请解释一下这个问题。

还 “还” means “still” in “还需要再改变路线”, showing that another route change may yet be necessary. It comes before 需要 to describe an ongoing or additional possibility. A new example is: 我还需要一点时间。

再 “再” means “again” or “further” in “再改变路线”, referring to another change after the current one. It is placed before the action that may happen again. A new example is: 如果不行，我们再想办法。

改变 “改变” means “change” in “改变路线”, referring to changing the route itself. It can be followed by the object that is changed, such as 路线. A new example is: 我们需要改变计划。

告诉 “告诉” means “tell” or “let someone know” in “告诉你”, where the driver promises to inform the passenger. It commonly takes the person being informed immediately after it. A new example is: 有消息请告诉我。

Grammar Points

因为……所以……

因为前面的路堵住，所以需要绕路。

yīnwèi qiánmiàn de lù dǔzhù, suǒyǐ xūyào rào lù.

Because the road ahead is blocked, we need to take a detour.

“因为”引出原因，“所以”引出结果；两者常一起使用，表示“because…so…”。

如果……的话

如果可以的话，一直走大路。

rúguǒ kěyǐ dehuà, yìzhí zǒu dàlù.

If possible, continue along the major road.

“如果……的话”表示条件，意思是“if…”；“的话”放在条件部分末尾。

Chinese Vocabulary

不好意思 phrase

bú hǎo yìsi excuse me

不熟悉 adj

bù shúxī be unfamiliar with

堵车 noun

dǔchē traffic jam

堵住 verb

dǔzhù block

继续走 phrase

jìxù zǒu continue moving

另一条路线 phrase

lìng yì tiáo lùxiàn another route

前面的路 phrase

qiánmiàn de lù the road ahead

绕路 verb

rào lù take a detour

如果可以的话 phrase

rúguǒ kěyǐ dehuà if possible

稍微 adv

shāowéi slightly

所以 conj

suǒyǐ so

因为 conj

yīnwèi because

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

the road ahead

Show Answer

前面的路

another route

Show Answer

另一条路线

excuse me

Show Answer

不好意思

if possible

Show Answer

如果可以的话