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How to Say ‘I'd rather take the shortest route.’ in Portuguese

Preferia ir pelo caminho mais curto.

preh-feh-REE-ah eer PEH-loo kah-MEE-nyoo mysh KOOR-too

[preh-feh-REE-ah eer PEH-loo kah-MEE-nyoo mysh KOOR-too]

Phrase Breakdown

Preferia ir

preh-feh-REE-ah eer

I'd prefer to go

The imperfect 'preferia' is used politely, like 'I would prefer'. Stress 'RI': 'pr-fe-REE-a eer'.

Example

Preferia ir amanhã.

I'd prefer to go tomorrow.

Words in this phrase

Preferia

[preh-feh-REE-ah]

I would prefer

Imperfect of 'preferir', used politely for wishes.

Example

Preferia um chá.

I'd prefer a tea.

[eer]

to go

The verb used to talk about moving from one place to another.

Example

Podemos ir para um canto mais calmo.

We can go to a quieter corner.

pelo caminho mais curto.

PEH-loo kah-MEE-nyoo mysh KOOR-too

by the shortest route.

'Pelo' (por + o) means 'by' or 'via'. 'Pelo' sounds like 'PE-lu'.

Example

Vamos pelo caminho mais curto.

Let's take the shortest route.

Words in this phrase

pelo

[PEH-loo]

through the, via the

Contraction of 'por' + 'o', meaning by way of.

Example

Comprei pelo telefone.

I bought it via the phone.

caminho

[kah-MEE-nyoo]

path, way

A track or route for someone to follow.

Example

Existe um desvio nesse caminho.

There is a detour on that path.

mais

[mysh]

more / most

Comparative adverb used to ask about a stronger preference.

Example

Qual sessão te agradou mais?

Which session pleased you more?

curto

[KOOR-too]

Short

Having little length or distance.

Example

O caminho mais curto foi escolhido.

The shorter route was chosen.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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