近道

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 近道 is read ちかみち and means a shorter route to a destination or a quicker way to reach a goal.
• Basic usage: It is used both for directions to a station and figuratively for a way to improve a skill.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Place and goal
  • 駅までの近道 is a physical route to the station, while 上達への近道 figuratively describes an efficient way to improve. In the latter expression, 上達 is the goal to achieve rather than a place to arrive at.