Japanese word

まっすぐ

Pronunciation

Romajimassugu

Meaning

  • adverbstraight

Example

道をまっすぐ歩きます。michi o ma ssu gu aru ki ma su

I walk straight down the road.

Illustration for まっすぐ (straight)

More examples

駅までまっすぐ行ってください。eki ma de ma ssu gu i tte ku da sa i

Please go straight to the station.

Core concept

It centers on following a direct line without deviation, with the same lack of deviation expressed as honesty or upright conduct.

Common phrases

  • まっすぐ行くma ssu gu i ku

    go straight

  • まっすぐ進むma ssu gu susu mu

    move straight ahead

Similar words

一直線ichichokusen: In one straight line toward a destination without changing direction.

Definition in Japanese

曲がったりそれたりせず、一直線に進むさま。また、心や行いに曲がったところがなく、正直で正しいさま。ma ga tta ri so re ta ri se zu ichi choku sen ni susu mu sa ma ma ta kokoro ya okona i ni ma ga tta to ko ro ga na ku shō jiki de tada shi i sa ma

Word origin

The native form まっすぐ (massugu) is commonly written 真っ直ぐ (massugu): 真 (ma, "true") intensifies 直ぐ (sugu, "straight"), giving the sense of being completely straight.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, calling someone まっすぐな人 (massugu na hito) usually praises their straightforward character rather than describing their physical direction.

Other meanings

  • honestna-adjective
  • uprightna-adjective

Related words

  • まっすぐさmassugusastraightnessnoun

Word lists with this word