expression, godan verb (-ku)
ask for directions; ask the way
Common phrase for asking how to get somewhere. The verb 聞く (or 訊く) is used in the sense of 'to ask'.
駅への道を聞いてもいいですか。
May I ask the way to the station?
彼は通行人に道を聞いた。
He asked a passerby for directions.
Standard spelling using 聞く (to hear/ask).
Uses 訊く, which specifically means 'to ask' or 'to inquire', making the meaning explicit.
More formal and less common than 道を聞く. 尋ねる implies a more deliberate inquiry.
Compound of 道 (road, way) + を (object marker) + 聞く (to ask). A straightforward phrase with no unusual etymology.