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How to Say ‘The shortest route’ in Portuguese

O caminho mais curto

oo kah-MEE-nyoo mysh KOOR-too

[oo kah-MEE-nyoo mysh KOOR-too]

💬 Usage Tip: "The shortest" is just o + mais + the describing word: o caminho mais rápido "the fastest route".

Phrase Breakdown

O caminho

oo kah-MEE-nyoo

The way / the route

'Caminho' means path or route. 'Nh' sounds like the 'ny' in 'canyon'.

Example

O caminho é fácil.

The way is easy.

Words in this phrase

[oo]

the (masculine singular)

Article used before a masculine singular noun; often unstressed in speech.

Example

O bilhete é mais barato se comprares com antecedência.

The ticket is cheaper if you buy in advance.

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 curto

mysh KOOR-too

shortest / shorter

'Mais' + adjective forms the comparative or superlative. The final 'o' sounds like 'u': 'KOOR-tu'.

Example

Este é mais curto.

This one is shorter.

Words in this phrase

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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