Definition
一直 (yī zhí) has two common meanings: 'always, continuously' and 'straight (ahead)'. For 'always', it's more colloquial than 始终 (shǐ zhōng, 'from beginning to end') and emphasizes an unbroken state, while 不断 (bù duàn) stresses uninterrupted action. For 'straight (ahead)', 一直 is used for directions (e.g., 一直走), whereas 直 (zhí) is an adjective meaning 'straight' (e.g., 直线).
adverb
alwayscontinuouslyall alongstraight (ahead)
Easily confused
- 一致yī zhìsound-alikeunanimous; identical; consistent
- 意志yì zhìsound-alikewill; willpower; determination
- 移植yí zhísound-aliketo transplant (an organ, plant, or software) from one place to another
- 抑制yì zhìsound-aliketo suppress; to inhibit; to keep down
- 以致yǐ zhìsound-aliketo such an extent that; resulting in (often of an undesirable outcome)
- 遗址yí zhǐsound-alikehistorical site; ruins
Examples
- 一直。Wǒ yī zhí dōu xiǎng qù kànkan Chángchéng.I've always wanted to go see the Great Wall.
- 一直，。Qǐng yī zhí wǎng qián zǒu, nǐ huì kàndào xuéxiào.Please go straight ahead, and you will see the school.
- 一直。Tā yī zhí zài jiā děng wǒmen.He has been waiting for us at home.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 3 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.