📏➡️

How to Say ‘The shortest way’ in Portuguese

O caminho mais curto

oo kuh-MEE-nyoo mysh KOOR-too

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

💬 Usage Tip: Put o + mais before a describing word to make it mean 'the most' or '-est'. Swap in rápido for o caminho mais rápido "the fastest way".

Phrase Breakdown

O caminho

oo kuh-MEE-nyoo

The way / the route

'O' sounds like 'u'. The 'nh' sounds like 'ny' in 'canyon': 'ka-MI-nyu'.

Example

O caminho é longo.

The way is long.

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

[kuh-MEE-nyoo]

way / route

Masculine noun for a path or route to a place.

Example

Qual é o caminho para a praia?

What is the way to the beach?

mais curto

mysh KOOR-too

shortest / shorter

'Mais' sounds like 'maish'. 'Curto' is 'KOOR-tu'.

Example

Este cabelo está mais curto.

This hair 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

When talking about coffee, it means a shorter, smaller espresso.

Example

Peço café curto, não cheio.

I ask for a short coffee, not a full one.

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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