zhí

surname Zhi

HSK 5 8 strokes
Stroke order animation for 直

Words with this Character

Meaning and Usage

The character (zhí) primarily means "straight" or "direct." It can describe physical straightness, such as a straight road or line, but it is also commonly used to describe directness in speech or behavior. When someone is described as , it often implies they are straightforward or blunt, sometimes to the point of causing discomfort.

Common Collocations

  • 线 (zhíxiàn): straight line, used in geometry or describing paths.
  • 直接 (zhíjiē): direct, immediate, often used to describe communication or actions without intermediaries.
  • (zhí shuō): to speak frankly or directly.

Usage Notes

When using to describe people’s speech or attitude, it can carry a slightly negative nuance if the directness is perceived as rude or insensitive. However, it can also be positive, implying honesty and clarity.

In physical descriptions, is neutral and simply describes something without curves or bends.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (zhèng), which also can mean "straight" but often refers to correctness or being upright morally. focuses more on the physical or communicative directness.

Example Sentences

这条路很直,一直走就到了。

Zhè tiáo lù hěn zhí, yīzhí zǒu jiù dào le.

This road is very straight; just keep going straight and you'll arrive.

他说话很直,有时候会让人觉得不舒服。

Tā shuōhuà hěn zhí, yǒu shíhòu huì ràng rén juéde bù shūfu.

He speaks very directly, which sometimes makes people feel uncomfortable.

我直说了,我不喜欢这个方案。

Wǒ zhí shuō le, wǒ bù xǐhuan zhège fāng'àn.

I'll be straightforward: I don't like this plan.