1.
shortest, minimum (in distance, time, or length)
The superlative of short — the least in distance, duration, or length among a group. Commonly used for routes, time periods, and records.
最短ルートで行く。
To go by the shortest route.
最短で三日かかります。
It will take three days at the minimum.
目的地までの最短距離をナビで調べてから出発した。
I checked the shortest distance to the destination on the GPS before leaving.
USAGE:
最短 functions as a noun or の-adjective. It applies to distance, time, and length.
- Distance: 最短ルート (shortest route), 最短距離 (shortest distance)
- Time: 最短で〜 (at the earliest / minimum time)
- Records: 最短記録 (shortest record)
When used adverbially with で, it means "at the earliest" or "at a minimum" in terms of time.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 最短距離: shortest distance
- 最短ルート: shortest route
- 最短記録: shortest record
- 最短で: at the earliest, at minimum
Related Words
Antonym:
最長