直 (zhí) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 直 (zhí) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 直 (zhí) means "straight / direct". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 8 strokes and the radical 目.

Q: How do you write 直 stroke by stroke?

直 has 8 strokes. The radical is 目. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 直 and 盯?

直 (zhí) and 盯 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 直?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 目. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 直?

Common words containing 直 include: 一直 (yì zhí) — straight; continuously; always; 直接 (zhí jiē) — direct / immediate; 直走 (zhí zǒu) — go straight.

How to Write 直

The character 直 (zhí) is written with 8 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 目 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

直 is pronounced zhí in Mandarin Chinese. It means straight / direct.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 直 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 直

一直 yì zhí

straight; continuously; always

直接 zhí jiē

direct / immediate

直走 zhí zǒu

go straight

Example Sentences

我一直在这儿等你。

wǒ yì zhí zài zhè ér děng nǐ

I have been waiting for you here.

请直接告诉我你的想法。

qǐng zhí jiē gào sù wǒ nǐ de xiǎng fǎ

Please tell me your thoughts directly.

往前直走就到超市了。

wǎng qián zhí zǒu jiù dào chāo shì le

Go straight ahead and you will reach the supermarket.

Similar Characters

盯 dīng

盱 xū

盲 máng

Practice Writing 直 (zhí)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 直 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 直

What does 直 (zhí) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 直 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 直 and 盯?

What mistakes do learners make writing 直?

What common words use 直?

How to Write 直 (zhí)