じかに

• Reading: じかに
• Romaji: jikani
• Kanji breakdown: 直 (choku/jika) — direct, straight, immediate
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ka.ni/

Meaning

Directly; immediately; in person; firsthand. Without any intermediary.

An adverb describing direct contact or experience without anything in between: じかに触る (to touch directly), じかに会う (to meet in person), じかに聞く (to hear firsthand). Can also describe physical directness: じかに肌に塗る (to apply directly to skin). More colloquial than 直接 (chokusetsu).

Examples

1. 社長にじかに話を聞くことができた。 I was able to hear directly from the company president.
2. この素材はじかに肌に触れても安全です。 This material is safe even when it touches your skin directly.
3. 噂ではなくじかに確かめたほうがいい。 Instead of relying on rumors, you should verify it firsthand.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, daily life, business

Tone: direct

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 直に, from 直 (choku/jika, direct/straight). The reading じかに is a native Japanese (kun) reading emphasising immediate, unmediated contact, while the on-reading ちょくに carries a more formal tone.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal