Is there a shorter route?
per-COR-so — stress on second syllable. BRE-ve — stress on first syllable.
When you know one route but suspect there might be a faster way.
'Percorso' (route) can mean a walking route, driving route, or journey path. 'Più breve' (shorter) = 'più' (more) + 'breve' (short/brief). This question often produces useful local knowledge that goes beyond what apps can tell you.
C'è una scorciatoia?
Is there a shortcut?
'Scorciatoia' = shortcut — a very useful word in Italian
Qual è il percorso più veloce per l'aeroporto?
What is the fastest route to the airport?
Asking for the quickest rather than shortest route
Quale strada è meno trafficata?
Which road has less traffic?
Priority on avoiding traffic rather than distance
Italians love sharing local shortcuts (scorciatoie) — it is a form of insider knowledge and hospitality. A shortcut through a local market (mercato), down a particular vicolo (alley), or along a canal path often reveals the most authentic parts of an Italian city. Always ask locals for shortcuts — the response often leads to a memorable detour.