直接

• Pinyin: zhí jiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 直 = 十 (ten) + 目 (eye) + 一, meaning 'straight'; 接 = 扌(hand) + 妾 (phonetic component)

Meaning

Direct; directly; straightforward. Without intermediaries or detours.

Can be used as an adjective (direct) or adverb (directly). Describes communication, travel, or actions that happen without going through intermediate steps. Often used when suggesting a simpler, more efficient approach.

Examples

1. 你直接去找他吧。 Just go find him directly.
2. 我们坐直接到上海的火车。 We're taking the direct train to Shanghai.
3. 有什么问题可以直接问我。 If you have any questions, you can ask me directly.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你可以直接告诉我。(You can tell me directly.)
• 从这里直接走就到了。(Just go straight from here and you'll arrive.)

Don't Say

• 这条路很直接。(Don't use 直接 to describe a physical road being 'straight' — use 直 or 笔直. 直接 means 'direct' in terms of method or approach.)

Origin & History

Compound of 直 (straight) and 接 (to connect/receive), literally 'straight connection.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal