直线

• Pinyin: zhí xiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 直 = 十 (ten) + 目 (eye) + 一 — straight; 线 = 纟 (silk) + 戋 — thread, line

Meaning

Straight line; linear. A line that extends infinitely in both directions without curving.

In geometry, refers to a line with no curves. Figuratively used to describe direct approaches: 直线距离 (straight-line distance), 直线思维 (linear thinking). Also: 直线上升/下降 (rise/fall sharply in a straight line).

Examples

1. 两点之间直线距离最短。 The straight-line distance between two points is the shortest.
2. 气温直线下降，明天会更冷。 The temperature dropped sharply; tomorrow will be even colder.
3. 请沿着这条直线往前走。 Please walk straight ahead along this line.

Usage Guide

Context: geometry, description, trends

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 画一条直线。(Draw a straight line.)
• 股价直线上涨。(Stock prices rose sharply.)

Don't Say

• 说'直线地告诉我'表示直接告诉我 (Don't use 直线 as an adverb for communication — use 直接; 直线 is geometric or for describing trends)

Origin & History

直 (straight, direct) + 线 (line, thread). Together meaning a straight line.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal