Chinese Conversation · Level 6
90 words
Chinese word
直
Pronunciation
Pinyinzhí
Meaning
- adjectivestraight
Example
这条路很直。zhè tiáo lù hěn zhí
This road is very straight.
More examples
他站得很直。tā zhàn de hěn zhí
He stands very straight.
Core concept
An unbroken line from starting point to destination, extended to actions and words that take no roundabout path.
Common phrases
站得很直zhàn de hěn zhí
stand very straight
Similar words
笔直bǐ zhí: Perfectly straight, with not even a slight bend or curve.
直接zhí jiē: Reaching a person or goal without an intermediary or a roundabout path.
坦率tǎn shuài: Expressing feelings or opinions openly and honestly, without trying to soften them.
Definition in Chinese
物体不弯曲，呈直线；引申为言行不绕弯子、说话或做事直接。wù tǐ bù wān qū chéng zhí xiàn yǐn shēn wèi yán xíng bú rào wān zi shuō huà huò zuò shì zhí jiē
Word origin
The physical meaning of 直 (zhí, "straight") extends naturally to words and actions that take no bend or detour, giving the word its sense of directness.
Usage tips
- For everyday listening, a nearby movement verb usually points to a route, while a speech or behavior verb points to manner; this context cue prevents the physical sense from being overused.