For directions, “por aquí” is the most common way to point someone along a route, while “así” fits when you mean a method.
You’ll hear “this way” in two main moments: you’re guiding someone through space, or you’re showing how to do something. Spanish splits those jobs across a few short phrases, and picking the right one makes you sound natural right away.
This article gives you the go-to options, when to use each one, and small pronunciation notes that stop awkward slips. You’ll get ready-to-steal mini dialogues, plus a quick pick list near the end.
What “This Way” Means Before You Translate It
In English, “this way” can mean “follow me,” “over here,” or “like this.” Spanish doesn’t force one phrase to cover all of that. The good news is that the Spanish options are short and easy to slot into real speech.
This Way As A Direction
When you’re moving through a place, you’re usually pointing at a path. Spanish tends to use por + a location word: “through here,” “by here,” “this way.” The tone is practical and friendly.
This Way As A Method
When you mean “do it like this,” Spanish often uses así (“like this”) or de esta manera (“in this manner”). In daily talk, así wins because it’s quick.
How To Say ‘This Way’ In Spanish With The Most Natural Picks
If you only memorize two pieces, make them these:
- Por aquí — “this way / through here” for guiding someone.
- Así — “like this” when you mean a method or a demonstration.
They cover a huge chunk of real situations. Then you add a few cousins that handle distance, contrast, or formality.
Por Aquí: The Default For “This Way” Directions
Por aquí is what you say while you point, step forward, or open a door and motion someone in. It’s the closest match to “this way” in the “follow me” sense.
Pronunciation note: por a-KEE. Keep the r light, don’t over-roll it. The stress lands on -quí.
Mini Dialogues With “Por Aquí”
At a building: “¿La recepción?” — “Sí, por aquí.”
On the street: “¿El metro?” — “Por aquí, a la derecha.”
In a store: “¿Probadores?” — “Por aquí, al fondo.”
Por Este Lado: When You Want “This Side”
Por este lado feels a touch more specific: you’re choosing one side over another, like the left corridor instead of the right, or this sidewalk instead of that one. You’ll hear it from staff in malls, clinics, and airports.
Try it with a gesture that shows “this side,” not “straight ahead.”
Por Acá: A Common Shorter Variant
Por acá means the same thing as por aquí in many places. In parts of Latin America it can even be the more common pick in casual speech. Treat it as a friendly, relaxed option.
One catch: some regions use aquí more, some use acá more. If you’re learning for a trip, listen for which one locals use and mirror it.
Por Allí: When “This Way” Points Away From You
Sometimes English still says “this way” even when you’re pointing farther off, like “It’s this way, past the park.” Spanish often switches to por allí or por allá for “over there / that way.”
If you’re physically close to the path, por aquí fits. If it’s farther and you’re pointing into the distance, por allí can sound more accurate.
Así: The Fastest Way To Say “Like This”
Así is the everyday workhorse for method. You’ll use it while showing steps, correcting a move, or explaining how you want something done.
It pairs well with verbs people hear all day: hazlo así (do it like this), ponlo así (put it like this), se dice así (it’s said like this).
Mini Dialogues With “Así”
Cooking: “¿Corto la cebolla?” — “Sí, así, en tiras finas.”
Pronunciation: “¿Se dice ‘gracias’?” — “No, se dice así: ‘gra-thias’.”
Work task: “¿Guardo el archivo?” — “Sí, así, con tu apellido.”
De Esta Manera: When You Want A Clear, Formal Tone
De esta manera is longer and more formal. You’ll see it in instructions, training materials, and careful explanations. In conversation, it can sound a bit stiff unless you’re being deliberate.
Good moments: teaching a concept, writing a note, or giving a step that must be followed closely.
Common “This Way” Phrases By Situation
Use this table as a quick match between what you mean and what you say. The “notes” column shows the vibe you’re giving off.
| Situation | Spanish Phrase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guiding someone nearby | Por aquí | Default “follow me” phrase with a gesture. |
| Choosing one side | Por este lado | Feels like “this side,” used in buildings and lines. |
| Casual “this way” in many regions | Por acá | Often heard in Latin America; friendly tone. |
| Pointing farther off | Por allí / Por allá | Better when the direction is at a distance. |
| Showing a method | Así | Short, natural, perfect while demonstrating. |
| Giving a careful method | De esta manera | More formal; common in written instructions. |
| Inviting someone to come closer | Por aquí, por favor | Adds politeness without sounding stiff. |
| Correcting posture or placement | No, así | Friendly correction; your tone matters. |
How Polite You Should Sound In Real Life
Spanish can sound warm without extra fluff. A few tiny add-ons handle most polite situations.
Adding “Please” Without Overdoing It
If you’re guiding a guest, a customer, or someone older, add por favor at the end:
- “Por aquí, por favor.”
- “Por este lado, por favor.”
That’s it. No long speech needed.
Using The Formal “You” In Spanish
When you speak to someone with usted, the phrase stays the same. What changes is your verb choice:
- “Pase por aquí.” (Step this way.)
- “Siga por aquí.” (Keep going this way.)
Those verbs sound natural in service settings and offices.
Small Grammar Pieces That Make You Sound Natural
These short add-ons help you give full directions without turning it into a lecture.
Pair “Por Aquí” With Direction Words
Mix and match:
- “Por aquí, a la derecha.” (this way, to the right)
- “Por aquí, a la izquierda.” (this way, to the left)
- “Por aquí, recto.” (this way, straight)
- “Por aquí, hasta el final.” (this way, to the end)
Use “Asi” With Commands And Explanations
Spanish loves short commands. These are common and easy to reuse:
- “Hazlo así.”
- “Dilo así.”
- “Es así.” (It’s like this.)
Accent mark check: it’s así with an accent. Without the accent, si and sí can get mixed in your notes and messages.
Gestures That Match The Words
Spanish learners get the words right and still sound off because the body language doesn’t match. These phrases are tied to motion. When your gesture fits, your listener trusts the direction without asking you to repeat it.
Use a full-hand sweep, not a sharp point, when you’re guiding someone in a hallway or into a room. Save a finger point for a far landmark, like a tower or a sign across the street.
- Por aquí: step first, then gesture along the path you want them to take.
- Por este lado: hold your palm open toward the side, like you’re offering that route.
- Así: keep your hands close to the action you’re demonstrating, so the “like this” meaning lands.
If you’re on a call or sending a voice note, replace the gesture with extra detail: “por aquí, a la derecha” or “así, despacio.”
Quick Picks When You’re Not Sure
If you freeze in the moment, pick based on what your hand is doing:
- If you’re pointing at a path or walking, say por aquí.
- If you’re demonstrating with your hands, say así.
- If you’re pointing far away, switch to por allí.
A Simple Decision Table For “This Way” In Spanish
This table helps you choose fast without overthinking.
| Meaning You Need | Best Pick | Extra Piece That Fits |
|---|---|---|
| “Follow me” nearby | Por aquí | Por favor / al fondo |
| “This side” | Por este lado | A la derecha / a la izquierda |
| Casual nearby guidance | Por acá | Recto / hasta el final |
| Direction at a distance | Por allí / Por allá | Cerca de… / pasando… |
| “Like this” method | Así | Hazlo / dilo / ponlo |
| Careful method in speech or writing | De esta manera | Para que quede bien |
Common Mistakes And Easy Fixes
Most mistakes happen when learners translate word-for-word. These fixes keep you on track.
Mistake 1: Using “Aqui” When You Mean “Follow Me”
Aquí means “here.” You can say “aquí” while pointing at a spot, yet it doesn’t always carry the “move with me” feel. If you’re guiding movement, por aquí does that job better.
Mistake 2: Using “Por Aqui” For A Method
Por aquí sounds like a route through space. If you’re teaching a method, use así or de esta manera. Your listener will understand you faster.
Mistake 3: Forgetting The Accent In “Asi”
In writing, así needs the accent. Many people will still understand you without it, yet learning it early keeps your spelling clean.
Practice Drills You Can Do In Two Minutes
Short practice beats long study sessions. Try these fast drills and you’ll feel the phrases stick.
Drill 1: Point And Speak
Stand up. Point to a door, a hallway, or a corner of the room. Say:
- “Por aquí.”
- “Por este lado.”
- “Por allí.”
Link each phrase to a different distance in your mind.
Drill 2: Teach A Tiny Task
Pretend you’re showing a friend how to do one small thing: fold a shirt, open a file, tie a knot. Say:
- “Así.”
- “Hazlo así.”
- “De esta manera.”
Match the words to your hands. It feels silly for ten seconds, then it starts to click.
Drill 3: Combine With Real Directions
Pick a place you know: your kitchen, your campus, a nearby shop. Give directions out loud:
- “Por aquí, recto.”
- “Luego a la derecha.”
- “Por aquí, hasta el final.”
Swap por aquí with por acá and listen to how it changes the feel.
Quick Recap Without The Fluff
If you mean direction, start with por aquí. If you mean method, start with así. Add por favor when you need a polite tone, and switch to por allí when you’re pointing farther away.