一直

• Pinyin: yī zhí
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = 'one/all'; 直 = 十 (ten) + 目 (eye) + 一 (line), meaning 'straight/direct'

Meaning

Always; all along; continuously. Indicates an action or state that continues without change.

One of the most common adverbs in Chinese. Has two main meanings: (1) continuously, all the time — 我一直在等你 (I've been waiting for you the whole time); (2) straight ahead — 一直走 (go straight). Placed before the verb.

Examples

1. 我一直在等你的电话。 I've been waiting for your call the whole time.
2. 他一直很喜欢画画。 He has always liked drawing.
3. 一直往前走，就能看到银行。 Go straight ahead and you'll see the bank.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我一直想去日本旅游。(I've always wanted to travel to Japan.)
• 一直走到路口再右转。(Go straight until the intersection, then turn right.)

Don't Say

• 我一直去过北京。(Don't combine 一直 with 过 for completed experiences — say 我去过北京 or 我一直想去北京.)

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (one/all) and 直 (straight/direct), literally 'straight through' — without interruption or change of direction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal