Definitions
(adjective)
straight; vertical
(adjective)
straightforward; frank
(verb)
to straighten
(adjective)
fair; reasonable
Etymology
Pictograph of a straight line coming from the eye, to depict looking straight at something. The purpose of the stroke at the bottom is unclear.
About
The character 直 originates from an early ideographic concept depicting an eye gazing straight ahead, which influenced its structural development into a form that integrates a visual component with a vertical line denoting alignment. This design, emphasizing unswerving direction, has remained consistent in its standard composition. Initially conveying physical straightness or upright orientation, its semantic range expanded over centuries to include abstract notions such as honesty, directness, and moral integrity, while also serving as an adverb to indicate immediacy or lack of deviation. The character’s enduring structure and adaptable meanings reflect its integral role in expressing both concrete and figurative dimensions of straightness in the language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这条路很直。
我一直很忙。
请直往前走。
他直接回家了。
他性格直爽。
垂直降落很危险。
我一直想学习中文。
他的回答非常直接。