The word 正直 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core idea to create a unified concept. The first character, 正, depicts a foot (止) marching directly toward a line or target (一), conveying the idea of being correct, proper, and upright. The second, 直, originally depicted an eye (目) looking straight forward above a vertical line, emphasizing directness, straightness, and without deviation. Together, they visually and conceptually merge the notion of moral uprightness (正) with unwavering straightforwardness (直) to form the single, powerful idea of integrity or honesty.