Level 4

지름길

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Meaning and Usage

The word '지름길' means 'shortcut' in Korean. It refers to a route or method that reduces the distance or time needed to reach a destination compared to the usual path.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '지름길' in daily conversations about travel, commuting, or finding faster ways to do something. It is a noun and used in both formal and informal contexts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 지름길을 찾다: to find a shortcut
  • 지름길로 가다: to go by a shortcut
  • 지름길을 이용하다: to use a shortcut

These collocations are common when talking about navigation or saving time.

Usage Tips

When using '지름길', speakers imply efficiency and time-saving. It can be used literally for physical paths or metaphorically for quicker methods in various situations.

A common learner mistake is confusing '지름길' with '빠른 길' (fast road). '지름길' emphasizes a shorter distance, not necessarily a faster road if traffic conditions differ.

Register

'지름길' is neutral and appropriate in everyday conversation, formal writing, and media.

Example Sentences

이 길은 지름길이라서 시간이 많이 절약돼요.

I gil-eun jireumgil-iraseo sigani manhi jeoryakdwaeyo.

This road is a shortcut, so it saves a lot of time.

지름길을 찾으려고 지도 앱을 사용했어요.

Jireumgil-eul chajeuryeogo jido aep-eul sayonghaesseoyo.

I used a map app to find a shortcut.

지름길을 이용하면 교통 체증을 피할 수 있어요.

Jireumgil-eul iyonghamyeon gyotong chejeung-eul pihal su isseoyo.

If you use a shortcut, you can avoid traffic jams.