atajo
/aˈtaxo/masculine
The English phrase shortcut is translated into Spanish as atajo. Wiktionary also lists atrecho and alcorce.
Meaning: path (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| atajo | /aˈtaxo/ | masculine |
| atrecho | /aˈtɾet͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| alcorce | /alˈkoɾθe/ /alˈkoɾse/ |
masculine |
| trocha | /ˈtɾot͡ʃa/ | feminine |
The word is used to describe a path. While atajo is the standard noun for a shortcut, you may use the verb acortar when discussing the act of shortening a route or a process.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of atajo is atajos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈtaxo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase tomar un atajo can sometimes carry a negative connotation of cheating or bypassing necessary rules. It is similar to the English 'cutting corners' in a professional or moral sense.
- In some regions, trocha refers to a rough shortcut carved through dense vegetation. Unlike a paved atajo, a trocha implies a primitive trail created by hacking away bushes and trees.
- The word atajo comes from the verb atajar, which originally meant to cut or chop something across. This implies that a shortcut is literally a 'cut-off' across a longer route.
Examples in context
- Me sé un atajo.I know a shortcut.This sentence is useful for expressing that you know a shortcut using atajo.Tatoeba #1216424 by wallebot, translation #538788 by CM
- Tom conoce un atajo.Tom knows a shortcut.This sentence is useful for expressing that Tom knows a shortcut using atajo.Tatoeba #1321523 by Shishir, translation #1024623 by CK
- Tomó un atajo a través del bosque.He took a shortcut through the forest.This sentence is useful for describing taking a shortcut through the forest using atajo.Tatoeba #1507535 by marcelostockle, translation #1183649 by driada
- Por favor, indíqueme el atajo más rápido para llegar al centro comercial.Please indicate the fastest shortcut to reach the shopping mall.
- Si quieres evitar el tráfico, sigue este atajito y llegarás más rápido.If you want to avoid the traffic, follow this little shortcut and you will arrive faster.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are walking in a park.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿conoces un atajo para ir al lago?Sofía, do you know a shortcut to go to the lake?
- SofíaSí, hay un atajo cerca de los árboles.Yes, there is a shortcut near the trees.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos por ese atajo.Perfect, let's go through that shortcut.
- SofíaTen cuidado, el camino es estrecho.Be careful, the path is narrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shortcut” translations and entries atajo, atrecho, alcorce, trocha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcorce, atajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
