ルート

るーと
noun
route, path, channel
transportation
1. route, path, course
A way or course taken to get from one place to another, such as a hiking trail, driving route, or travel itinerary.
To check the climbing route.
The car navigation guided me along the shortest route.
I took a different route to avoid traffic.
2. channel, pipeline, connection
A means or channel through which something is obtained or distributed, such as a supply route or a personal connection used to acquire something.
We procure goods through our own channels.
To develop sales channels.
This is a rare wine imported through a special channel from overseas.

Usage

ルート is broadly used for both physical paths and abstract channels. For physical travel, it overlaps with (みち) and 経路(けいろ), but ルート emphasizes a planned or chosen course rather than just a road.

Sense 2 (channel/pipeline) is common in business and often implies a special or exclusive connection.

Common collocations