直視

• Reading: ちょくし
• Romaji: chokushi
• Kanji breakdown: 直 (choku) — straight, direct, correct; 視 (shi) — look, see, regard
• Pronunciation: /tɕo.kɯ.ɕi/

Meaning

To look straight at something; to face reality squarely without averting one's eyes.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (直視する). Has both a literal meaning (looking directly at something or someone) and a figurative meaning (confronting an uncomfortable truth or reality head-on). The figurative use — 現実を直視する (to face reality) — is extremely common in written and spoken Japanese.

Examples

1. 現実を直視しなければ問題は解決しない。 If you don't face reality head-on, problems will never get solved.
2. 彼女はまっすぐ相手の目を直視した。 She looked the other person straight in the eyes.
3. 過去の失敗を直視することが成長につながる。 Facing past failures head-on leads to growth.

Usage Guide

Context: self-reflection, essays, psychology, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 直 (choku, straight/direct) + 視 (shi, to look/see). Literally 'to look straight at,' conveying both the physical act of direct eye contact and the metaphorical act of honestly confronting reality.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal