近道(ちかみち)

ちかみち
noun
shortcut, shorter way
1. shortcut, shorter way
A route that is shorter or quicker than the usual path. Can also be used figuratively for a faster method to achieve something.
近道(ちかみち)を通(とお)って学校(がっこう)に行(い)った。
I took a shortcut to school.
この道(みち)は近道(ちかみち)ですか。
Is this road a shortcut?
成功(せいこう)への近道(ちかみち)はない。
There is no shortcut to success.
Figurative use
近道(ちかみち)をしたら迷(まよ)ってしまった。
I tried to take a shortcut but ended up getting lost.
公園(こうえん)の中(なか)を通(とお)ると駅(えき)までの近道(ちかみち)になる。
Going through the park is a shortcut to the station.

近道(ちかみち) means a shorter route to a destination, or figuratively, a quicker way to achieve a goal.

WORD FORMATION:
近(ちか)い (near, close) + 道(みち) (road, path)

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 近道(ちかみち)を通(とお)る: take a shortcut (physical route)
  • 近道(ちかみち)をする: take a shortcut (general)
  • 〜への近道(ちかみち): shortcut to ~ (often figurative)

USAGE:
Literally refers to a shorter physical route. Figuratively, often appears in motivational or advisory contexts: 成功(せいこう)への近道(ちかみち)はない (There is no shortcut to success).

ANTONYM:

  • 遠回(とおまわ)り: detour, roundabout way

Related Words

Antonym: 遠回(とおまわ)り
core
Added 2026.1.11 21:27 · Revised 2026.3.29 19:42
03000/03118_chikamichi