Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rota | /ˈʁɔ.tɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈʁɔ.tɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
feminine |
| percurso | /peʁˈkuʁ.su/ (Brazil) /peɾˈkuɾ.su/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
| caminho | /kaˈmĩ.ɲu/ (Brazil) /kɐˈmi.ɲu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| itinerário | /i.t͡ʃi.neˈɾa.ɾju/ (Brazil) /i.ti.nɨˈɾa.ɾju/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
These words are used to describe a course or way traveled. In a technical computing context, the verb rotear is used to mean routing data or connecting networks between two LANs.
Which one should you use?
rota refers to a planned or technical route. In contrast, caminho is more general and can refer to a physical path, a road or even a metaphorical way of life. percurso is often used to emphasize the actual distance or the duration of a journey along a route, rather than just the direction. Finally, itinerário is used specifically for a detailed, step-by-step list of stops or a planned travel schedule.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In European Portuguese, percurso is a term for route.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
rota is a feminine noun. Its plural is rotas. percurso is a masculine noun. Its plural is percursos.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈʁɔ.tɐ/', 'syllables': 2, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 2'}
Did you know?
- The word rota originates from the Latin word rupta, which literally means 'broken'. This refers to a path that was 'broken through' or cleared in the wilderness.
- While rota is used for navigation, the word rumo is often used when talking about a 'route' in terms of direction or heading, especially in sailing or aviation.
- The term caminho is deeply tied to the 'Camino de Santiago' pilgrimage, where the word identifies not just the route but the entire spiritual and cultural experience of the trek.
Examples in context
- Nós tomamos a rota mais rápida.We took the quickest route.This sentence shows how to use rota to describe a quick way.Tatoeba #5297392 by carlosalberto, translation #3312831 by CK
- Vou pegar o caminho mais curto.I'll take the shortest route.This sentence demonstrates using caminho for a short route.Tatoeba #5543320 by bill, translation #5543321 by Catriona
- Esta é a rota mais curta até Paris.This is the shortest route to Paris.This sentence uses rota to indicate a specific route to a destination.Tatoeba #4443047 by Ricardo14, translation #4440514 by AlanF_US
- Uma rota bem planejada é essencial para o sucesso da viagem.A well-planned route is essential for the success of the trip.
- O percurso da maratona passa por vários pontos turísticos da cidade.The marathon route passes through various tourist spots in the city.
- O trajeto mais rápido para chegar à praia é pela estrada principal.The fastest route to get to the beach is through the main road.
- Qual é o melhor caminho para chegar ao centro da cidade?What is the best route to reach the city center?
- Acabei de planejar nosso itinerário para a viagem de carro.I just planned our route for the road trip.
- Se você pegar o atalho, chegará ao supermercado mais rapidamente.If you take the shortcut, you'll arrive at the supermarket more quickly.
- Qual é o trajeto mais rápido para chegar à festa?What is the fastest route to get to the party?
- Já conferiste o itinerário para a viagem de comboio?Did you check the train route itinerary already?
- Qual é o percurso para chegar ao aeroporto de Lisboa?What is the route to get to Lisbon Airport?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Juliana are checking a map for a road trip.
- GabrielQual é a nossa rota para o litoral?What is our route to the coast?
- JulianaPodemos seguir pela rota do norte.We can take the northern route.
- GabrielEssa rota é muito longa?Is that route very long?
- JulianaNão, a rota é bem direta.No, the route is very direct.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “route” translations and entries rota, percurso, caminho, itinerário, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caminho, percurso, rota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
