直 (zhí) - straight & upright

直Tone 2

zhí ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 目

丈志

直 · zhí

straight;

upright;

vertical;

direct;

frank;

honest;

just;

continuously

straightuprightvertical

Usage highlights

straight linedirectlyhonestverticaluprightfrank

Synonyms

  • 正— upright, correct
  • 耿— honest, straightforward
  • 坦— frank, candid

Antonyms

  • 曲— crooked, bent
  • 弯— curved, winding
  • 斜— slanting, oblique

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Draw a straight line (直线).
  • He is an honest person (正直的人).
  • The price has been rising continuously (价格一直在上涨).
  • Please answer directly (请直接回答).

Collocations

  • straight line(直线)
  • directly(直接)
  • honest(正直)
  • vertical(垂直)
  • upright(笔直)
  • frank(直率)

Idioms

  • Straightforward and outspoken(心直口快)
  • As straight as an arrow(直如箭)
  • Speak frankly and honestly(直言不讳)
  • Go straight to the point(直截了当)
  • Honest and upright(耿直不阿)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian philosophy, '直' represents moral uprightness and integrity.
  • Traditionally valued as an important virtue in personal character.
  • Associated with the concept of straightforwardness in Chinese communication.

FAQ