A desire path (also known as cow path or goat track) can be a path created as a consequence of foot or bicycle traffic. The path usually means the shortest or most easily navigated route between two places. Desire paths emerge as shortcuts where constructed ways take a circuitous route, have gaps, or are non-existent.

心选小路，也叫牛道或者羊道，指行人或自行车频繁经过而形成的一条小路。这种小路通常是往返于两地之间距离最短且最易找到的路。一般情况下，正式修建的道路绕远、路中间有沟，或者压根没有正式道路的地方就会出现“心选小路”。

 

For example:

 

People create with their own feet what we call desire paths where they just walk on the lawn because there is no sidewalk.

人们用自己的双脚在草地上开拓出了“心选小路”，因为草地上没有路。