"give directions" 是英语中常用的动词短语,字面直译是“给出方向/指示”,实际含义更偏向:
为他人指路(告知到达某个地点的路线);
给出做某事的步骤/指引(指导他人完成任务、操作的具体方法)。
结构:`give sb. directions to + 地点`(给某人指去某地的路)
Could you give me directions to the nearest coffee shop?
(你能给我指下去最近咖啡店的路吗?)
She stopped a passerby to ask if he could give her directions to the museum.
(她拦下一个路人,问他能不能给她指去博物馆的路。)
结构:`give directions on/how to do sth.`(给出做某事的指引)
The chef gave clear directions on how to make the perfect pasta.
(厨师给出了制作完美意面的清晰步骤。)
Before the exam, the teacher gave directions about what to bring and when to arrive.
(考试前,老师说明了要带什么、什么时候到的要求。)
修饰词:常与形容词搭配,强调指引的“清晰度/详细度”,如:
give clear/detailed directions(给出清晰/详细的指引);
give vague directions(给出模糊的指引)。
被动/关联表达:
follow sb.’s directions(遵循某人的指示);
ask for directions(问路;请求指示)。
"give directions" 本质是“传递指引信息”,核心是帮助他人明确“路线”或“步骤”,无论是现实中的“指路”还是抽象的“任务指导”都适用。
简单一句话记住:
If you tell someone how to get somewhere or how to do something, you give them directions.