TravelAdvanced
Changing subway lines in English (advanced)
Advanced English for changing subway lines. Key line: “Do I need to tap out, or is it just a transfer?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, could you point me in the right direction for the orange line?
Them
Sure—go downstairs, hang a left, and follow the signs the whole way.
Lin
Got it. Do I need to tap out, or is it just a transfer?
Them
No need to tap out; stay inside, unless you enjoy buying surprise tickets.
Lin
I'd rather not donate to the station twice. Is it a long walk?
Them
Not really—about three minutes, if you don't get distracted by the pastry shop.
Lin
Three minutes I can handle. If I come back with a croissant, I took a wrong turn, huh?
Them
Exactly—and if you smell butter, you're definitely not on the orange line.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Way
✓ point me in the right directionAsk directions
Natural; better than direct
Left turn
✓ hang a leftturn left
Casual; walk or drive
Exit
✓ tap outtap to exit
Used in transit, not check out
Transfer
✓ just a transferChange lines
just sounds softer
Quick answers
Way: what to say in English
Say “point me in the right direction” — ask directions. Natural; better than direct.
Left turn: what to say in English
Say “hang a left” — turn left. Casual; walk or drive.
Exit: what to say in English
Say “tap out” — tap to exit. Used in transit, not check out.
Transfer: what to say in English
Say “just a transfer” — change lines. just sounds softer.