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직진하다

A1 verb #6,000 most common 9 min read

직진하다

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 직진하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 직진하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '직진하다' means 'to go straight.' It is one of the three basic directions you learn alongside '좌회전' (left turn) and '우회전' (right turn). You will mostly use it in the polite imperative form: '직진하세요' (Please go straight). This is essential for understanding basic directions or telling a taxi driver where to go. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a single block of meaning. For example, '여기서 직진하세요' means 'Go straight from here.' It's a vital survival word for any traveler in Korea.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '직진하다' in more complex sentence structures. You might use connecting particles like '-고' (and) or '-아서/어서' (and then/so). For instance, '직진해서 오른쪽으로 가세요' (Go straight and then go to the right). You also start to use distance markers: '100미터 직진하세요.' You should be able to understand this word when it's part of a short set of instructions. You also begin to recognize the difference between '직진하다' and '똑바로 가다,' understanding that '직진' is the more standard term for navigation.

At the B1 level, you can use '직진하다' more flexibly in different tenses and moods. You might describe a route you took in the past: '어제 길을 잃어서 그냥 계속 직진했어요' (I got lost yesterday, so I just kept going straight). You also start to encounter the word in metaphorical contexts, such as describing someone's personality or a direct approach to a problem. You can understand more nuanced instructions from a GPS or a person, such as '사거리에서 직진하지 말고 우회전하세요' (Don't go straight at the intersection, turn right).

At the B2 level, you are comfortable with the technical and formal nuances of '직진하다.' You might see it in news reports about traffic or in formal documents. You can also use it in more sophisticated metaphorical ways, such as '직진형 인간' (a person who moves straight toward their goals). You understand the Sino-Korean roots (直進) and how they relate to other words like '직접' (directly) or '진행' (progress). You can give detailed, multi-step directions using various synonyms like '곧장' or '쭉' to add natural flavor to your speech.

At the C1 level, '직진하다' is a word you use with full native-like precision. You understand its use in literature or high-level discourse to signify unswerving commitment or a lack of deviation in thought or policy. You can distinguish between '직진', '전진', and '직행' in all contexts, including legal or technical ones. You are also familiar with slang or trendy terms like '직진남' and can use them appropriately in social conversations. Your ability to use the word is no longer just about navigation but about expressing complex ideas of directness and momentum.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '직진하다.' You can appreciate its use in philosophical discussions about the 'straight path' of life or in complex political metaphors. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place within the broader Sino-Korean vocabulary. You can use it with absolute accuracy in any register, from the most formal military commands to the most casual street slang. You might even use it in creative writing to evoke a specific sense of movement or character trait, fully aware of all its connotations and synonyms.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

직진하다 in 30 Seconds

직진하다 is the standard Korean verb for 'to go straight,' essential for navigation and giving directions in daily life.
It is a 'Hada' verb derived from Hanja (直進), meaning 'straight advance,' and is commonly used with '-세요' in instructions.
Metaphorically, it describes someone who is very direct, honest, and bold, especially in romantic or goal-oriented contexts.
Commonly heard in GPS systems, taxis, and street directions, it is often paired with '쭉' (all the way) for emphasis.

The Korean verb 직진하다 (jikjinhada) is a fundamental navigational term that translates directly to "to go straight" or "to move forward without turning." Derived from Sino-Korean roots, it combines '직' (直 - straight) and '진' (進 - advance). In the context of everyday life in Korea, you will encounter this word most frequently when asking for or giving directions, using a GPS navigation system (KaKaoNavi or T-map), or riding in a taxi. While the word '똑바로' (ttokbaro) also means 'straight,' '직진하다' is the formal, technical, and most precise term used specifically for movement in a physical direction. It implies a continuous path along a single vector. Whether you are walking through the bustling streets of Gangnam or driving through the countryside, mastering this word is essential for basic survival and communication. It is a 'Hada' verb, meaning it is formed by taking the noun '직진' (going straight) and adding '하다' (to do). This makes it versatile in various grammatical forms, from polite requests like '직진하세요' to past tense descriptions like '직진했어요'. Understanding this word allows you to navigate the physical geography of Korea with confidence, ensuring you don't get lost when a friendly local points down a street and tells you where to go.

Literal Meaning: To advance in a straight line (直 - straight, 進 - advance).
Primary Usage: Navigation, driving instructions, and walking directions.
Metaphorical Usage: Moving toward a goal without hesitation or distraction (often used in dating or career contexts).

이 사거리에서 직진하다 보면 병원이 나와요. (If you go straight at this intersection, you will see the hospital.)

다음 신호등에서 직진하세요. (Please go straight at the next traffic light.)

저는 목표를 향해 직진하겠습니다. (I will go straight toward my goal.)

네비게이션이 직진하라고 해요. (The navigation says to go straight.)

여기서 직진하면 막다른 길이에요. (If you go straight here, it's a dead end.)

Beyond physical movement, '직진하다' has found its way into popular culture. In romantic dramas, characters might be described as '직진 스타일' (straight-going style), meaning they don't play games and are direct in expressing their love. This highlights the core essence of the word: movement that is purposeful, unswerving, and direct. In a modern urban environment like Seoul, where roads can be complex and winding, '직진' is often the simplest yet most important instruction you can receive. It is the antithesis of '좌회전' (left turn) and '우회전' (right turn), completing the basic triad of directional verbs every learner must know. Because it is a formal term, it is used in official signage and automated announcements on public transport, yet it remains perfectly natural in casual conversation. When you are unsure of your path, asking '직진인가요?' (Is it straight?) will almost always get you the answer you need.

Using 직진하다 correctly involves understanding its role as a verb and how it interacts with location particles. Most commonly, you will use it with the particle '-로' (toward) or '-에서' (at/from). For example, '앞으로 직진하세요' means 'Please go straight forward.' The grammar for this word is straightforward because it follows the standard '하다' verb conjugation patterns. Whether you are speaking formally to a stranger or informally to a friend, the root '직진' remains the same, while the suffix changes to reflect the level of politeness and the intent of the sentence. In instructions, the imperative form '직진하세요' (Please go straight) or '직진해' (Go straight - informal) is very common. When describing a past action, you would use '직진했어요' (I went straight). If you are combining actions, such as going straight and then turning, you use the connector '-고' or '-아서/어서', resulting in phrases like '직진하고 우회전하세요' (Go straight and then turn right).

With Directional Particles: 앞으로 직진하다 (Go straight forward), 저쪽으로 직진하다 (Go straight that way).
In Conditional Sentences: 직진하면 (If you go straight...), 직진했을 때 (When I went straight...).

약 100미터 직진하십시오. (Please go straight for about 100 meters.)

Another important aspect of using '직진하다' is its interaction with distance markers. In Korean, you typically state the distance before the verb: '1킬로미터 직진하세요' (Go straight for 1 kilometer). This is a standard pattern in GPS systems. It's also worth noting that '직진' can function as a noun. You might see a sign that simply says '직진' with an arrow pointing up. In this case, the '하다' is omitted for brevity. For learners, practicing the transition from '직진' (the concept) to '직진하다' (the action) is key. Additionally, when you want to emphasize that someone should keep going without stopping, you might add '계속' (continuously), as in '계속 직진하세요' (Keep going straight). This is particularly useful when the person you are directing might be tempted to turn at an upcoming intersection. By mastering these patterns, you can provide clear, concise instructions that are easy for others to follow, reducing confusion and making your Korean sound more natural and authoritative in navigational contexts.

You will hear 직진하다 in several distinct environments. First and foremost is the world of transportation. Every Korean GPS app uses a synthesized voice that constantly repeats '직진' or '직진하세요'. If you take a taxi, the driver might ask '여기서 직진할까요?' (Should I go straight here?) or you might tell them '쭉 직진해 주세요' (Please go straight for a long way). Second, you will hear it in social settings when people are meeting up. Since many Korean addresses are complex, people often give directions over the phone: '출구에서 나와서 50미터만 직진해' (Come out of the exit and just go straight for 50 meters). Third, the word has a strong presence in modern media. On variety shows or in K-dramas, the concept of '직진' is used to describe a character's personality. A '직진남' (straight-going man) or '직진녀' (straight-going woman) is someone who is bold and direct in their romantic pursuits, not beating around the bush. This metaphorical usage is very trendy and reflects a cultural shift toward valuing honesty and directness in relationships.

잠시 후 직진 방향입니다. (In a short while, it is the straight direction.)

In addition to these, you might hear it in professional or academic settings when discussing a 'straight path' to a solution or a career. While '진행하다' (to proceed) is more common for projects, '직진하다' can be used for emphasis on the lack of deviation. In sports, coaches might tell players to '직진해' to encourage them to drive toward the goal without zigzagging. The word is ubiquitous because it is the most efficient way to describe one of the three primary directions of human movement. Even in children's games or when directing someone in a parking lot, '직진' is the go-to term. Its phonetic simplicity—two quick syllables—makes it easy to shout or say quickly in urgent situations. Understanding the various contexts where this word appears will help you recognize it not just as a dry navigational command, but as a dynamic word that captures the essence of forward momentum in many aspects of Korean life.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is confusing 직진하다 with 똑바로 가다. While they both mean 'to go straight,' '똑바로' (ttokbaro) can also mean 'correctly' or 'upright.' If you tell someone to '똑바로 해' (ttokbaro hae), you are telling them to 'do it correctly' or 'behave,' not 'go straight.' Using '직진하다' is much safer when giving directions because it has only one primary meaning related to physical movement. Another mistake is using the wrong particle. Learners often try to say '직진을 하세요' (adding the object particle '을'), which is grammatically possible but sounds slightly unnatural compared to the more common '직진하세요'. In Korean, many 'noun + 하다' verbs drop the object particle in speech for efficiency.

직진 vs. 똑바로: '직진' is for navigation; '똑바로' is for posture or correctness (though it can be used for walking).
Particle Confusion: Avoid '직진에 가다'; use '직진하다' or '앞으로 직진하다'.

A third mistake is forgetting that '직진' is a Sino-Korean word. While it is very common, in extremely informal or 'pure' Korean contexts, people might say '쭉 가세요' (Go straight/all the way). Some learners might also confuse '직진' with '전진' (jeonjin). While '전진' also means to move forward, it is much more formal and often used in military contexts or for 'progress' in a grander sense. You wouldn't tell a taxi driver to '전진하세요' unless you wanted to sound like a general ordering a tank. Finally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'ㅈ' sound. It should be a clear 'j' sound, not a 'ch' sound, to avoid being misunderstood. By being aware of these nuances, you can avoid the awkwardness of using a formal term in a casual setting or a behavioral term in a navigational one.

While 직진하다 is the standard term, there are several synonyms and alternatives that can make your Korean sound more varied and natural depending on the situation. The most common alternative is 쭉 가다 (jjuk gada). '쭉' is an adverb that suggests a long, continuous line. Saying '쭉 가세요' sounds a bit more colloquial and is very common in spoken directions. Another common phrase is 곧장 가다 (gotjang gada), which means 'to go straight without stopping' or 'to go directly.' This is often used when you want someone to go straight to a destination without making any detours.

쭉 가다: Colloquial and emphasizes the length of the straight path.
곧장 가다: Emphasizes going directly to a place without stopping elsewhere.
똑바로 가다: Literal 'straight'—can refer to posture or a straight line on a map.

In more formal or technical writing, you might see 직행하다 (jikhaenghada), which means 'to go non-stop' (common for buses or trains). For moving 'forward' in a more general sense, 앞으로 가다 (apeuro gada) is the simplest way to say 'go forward.' While '직진' specifically means 'straight,' '앞으로' just means 'to the front.' Understanding these differences allows you to choose the word that best fits the context. For example, if you are guiding a friend through a crowd, '앞으로 가' is perfect. If you are explaining a 5km drive on a highway, '직진하세요' or '쭉 가세요' is better. Learning these synonyms helps you understand the different 'flavors' of straightness in the Korean language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 直 (jik) is the same one used in '직접' (directly) and '정직' (honesty), showing the connection between physical straightness and moral integrity in Korean thought.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕik̚.t͡ɕin.ɦa.da/

US /dʒɪk.dʒɪn.hɑ.dɑ/

Stress is even on all syllables, typical of Korean, but 'jik' and 'jin' carry the most weight.

Rhymes With

매진하다 (maejinhada) 추진하다 (chujinhada) 정진하다 (jeongjinhada) 강진하다 (gangjinhada) 사진 (sajin) 이진 (ijin) 우진 (ujin) 현진 (hyeonjin)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jik' as 'chick'.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada'.
Making the 'j' sound too much like 'z'.
Shortening 'jin' too much.
Adding a stress on the last syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The Hanja roots are simple and the word is common.

Writing 2/5

Spelling '직진' is easy, but remember the 'hada' conjugation.

Speaking 1/5

Two clear syllables that are easy to pronounce.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, common in GPS and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가다 (To go) 앞 (Front) 여기 (Here) 하다 (To do) 길 (Road)

Learn Next

좌회전하다 (To turn left) 우회전하다 (To turn right) 유턴하다 (To U-turn) 멈추다 (To stop) 사거리 (Intersection)

Advanced

전진하다 (To advance) 직행하다 (To go non-stop) 우회하다 (To detour) 경유하다 (To stop by) 횡단하다 (To cross)

Grammar to Know

-하세요 (Polite Imperative)

직진하세요. (Please go straight.)

-면 (Conditional 'If')

직진하면 은행이 나와요. (If you go straight, a bank appears.)

-해서 (Sequence/Method)

직진해서 가세요. (Go straight and then go.)

-지 말고 (Negative Imperative Alternative)

좌회전하지 말고 직진하세요. (Don't turn left, go straight.)

-고 있다 (Progressive)

지금 직진하고 있어요. (I am going straight right now.)

Examples by Level

여기서 직진하세요.

Go straight from here.

-세요 is a polite imperative ending.

앞으로 직진해요.

Go straight forward.

-해요 is the standard polite ending.

직진? 네, 알겠습니다.

Straight? Yes, I understand.

A simple confirmation of direction.

저기서 직진하세요.

Go straight over there.

저기 (there) + -서 (at).

계속 직진하세요.

Keep going straight.

계속 means 'continuously'.

학교까지 직진해요.

Go straight to the school.

-까지 means 'until' or 'to'.

오른쪽 말고 직진하세요.

Not right, go straight.

말고 means 'not [A] but [B]'.

직진하면 편의점이 있어요.

If you go straight, there is a convenience store.

-면 is the conditional 'if'.

사거리에서 직진해서 가세요.

Go straight through the intersection.

-해서 joins two actions in sequence.

100미터 직진하면 은행이 나와요.

If you go straight for 100 meters, a bank will appear.

나오다 is often used for buildings 'appearing' on a route.

신호등까지 직진한 다음 우회전하세요.

Go straight to the traffic light, then turn right.

-ㄴ 다음 means 'after doing'.

택시 기사님, 여기서 직진해 주세요.

Taxi driver, please go straight here.

-해 주세요 is a polite request for a service.

이 길로 쭉 직진하면 돼요.

You just need to go straight along this road.

-하면 돼요 means 'it is enough to...' or 'you can...'

어디로 가요? - 그냥 직진해요.

Where are we going? - Just go straight.

그냥 means 'just' or 'simply'.

터널을 지나서 직진하세요.

Go straight after passing through the tunnel.

-아서/어서 indicates sequence.

직진하지 말고 왼쪽으로 가세요.

Don't go straight; go to the left.

-지 말고 is 'don't do [A], do [B]'.

그는 목표를 향해 직진하는 스타일이에요.

He is the type to go straight toward his goals.

Metaphorical use of '직진하다'.

내비게이션이 직진하라고 안내했어요.

The navigation guided me to go straight.

-라고 하다 is reported speech for commands.

복잡하게 생각하지 말고 직진합시다.

Let's not think complexly and just go straight (move forward).

-ㅂ시다 is the formal 'let's'.

이 길은 직진만 가능합니다.

This road only allows going straight.

만 means 'only'.

직진하다 보니 어느새 바다가 보였어요.

While going straight, I suddenly saw the sea.

-다 보니 indicates discovering something while doing an action.

사랑 앞에서는 계산 없이 직진해야 해요.

In front of love, you should go straight without calculating.

-해야 하다 means 'must' or 'should'.

직진하는 차량이 우선입니다.

Vehicles going straight have priority.

우선 means 'priority'.

길을 잘 모르면 일단 직진해 보세요.

If you don't know the way well, try going straight for now.

-아/어 보다 means 'to try doing'.

사고를 피하려면 직진 코스를 유지해야 합니다.

To avoid an accident, you must maintain a straight course.

-려면 means 'if you want to...'

그 드라마의 여주인공은 완전 직진녀예요.

The female lead of that drama is a total 'straight-going' woman.

Slang/Trendy term '직진녀'.

정부는 경제 회복을 위해 직진하고 있습니다.

The government is moving straight ahead for economic recovery.

Used in a political/abstract context.

직진 신호가 떨어지자마자 차들이 출발했어요.

As soon as the straight signal turned green, the cars started.

-자마자 means 'as soon as'.

망설이지 말고 당신의 신념대로 직진하세요.

Don't hesitate; go straight according to your beliefs.

-대로 means 'according to'.

이 도로는 직진 차선과 회전 차선이 구분되어 있습니다.

This road has separate lanes for going straight and turning.

구분되다 means 'to be divided'.

직진하다가 갑자기 멈추면 위험해요.

It's dangerous if you suddenly stop while going straight.

-다가 indicates an action being interrupted.

성공으로 가는 길은 직진만이 정답은 아닙니다.

Going straight isn't the only answer on the road to success.

Philosophical use.

그의 발언은 타협 없이 직진하는 성향을 잘 보여준다.

His remarks clearly show his tendency to go straight without compromise.

성향 means 'tendency' or 'disposition'.

빛은 매질이 균일할 때 직진하는 성질이 있다.

Light has the property of traveling in a straight line when the medium is uniform.

Scientific/Technical usage.

모든 난관을 뚫고 목표를 향해 직진하는 용기가 필요하다.

Courage to go straight toward the goal, breaking through all obstacles, is needed.

뚫다 means 'to pierce' or 'break through'.

그는 주변의 만류에도 불구하고 자신의 길을 직진했다.

Despite the dissuasion of those around him, he went straight on his own path.

-에도 불구하고 means 'despite'.

직진 위주의 도로 설계가 보행자에게는 불편할 수 있다.

Road design centered on going straight can be inconvenient for pedestrians.

위주 means 'centered on' or 'focused on'.

감정에 솔직하게 직진하는 모습이 매력적이다.

The way they go straight, being honest with their emotions, is attractive.

Used to describe personality charm.

회사는 기존 방침대로 직진하기로 결정했다.

The company decided to go straight according to the existing policy.

-기로 결정하다 means 'to decide to'.

직진하는 삶 속에서도 때로는 쉼표가 필요하다.

Even in a life that goes straight, sometimes a comma (pause) is needed.

쉼표 (comma) used as a metaphor for a rest.

진리는 곡예를 하지 않고 오직 직진할 뿐이다.

Truth does not perform acrobatics; it only goes straight.

Philosophical/Literary register.

역사의 수레바퀴는 때로 후퇴하는 듯 보이나 결국 직진한다.

The wheel of history sometimes seems to retreat, but eventually, it goes straight.

수레바퀴 means 'wagon wheel'.

그의 문체는 군더더기 없이 핵심을 향해 직진한다.

His writing style goes straight to the core without any fluff.

군더더기 means 'superfluous things' or 'fluff'.

직진하는 의지야말로 불가능을 가능케 하는 원동력이다.

A straight-going will is the very driving force that makes the impossible possible.

-야말로 is an emphatic particle.

법과 원칙에 따라 직진하는 사회가 정의로운 사회다.

A society that goes straight according to law and principles is a just society.

정의로운 means 'just' or 'righteous'.

망설임 없는 직진은 때로 무모함으로 비치기도 한다.

Straight-going without hesitation is sometimes seen as recklessness.

무모함 means 'recklessness'.

그는 자신의 철학을 굽히지 않고 평생을 직진해 왔다.

He has lived a life of going straight without bending his philosophy.

굽히다 means 'to bend' or 'yield'.

우주의 팽창은 거대한 직진의 연속이라 할 수 있다.

The expansion of the universe can be called a continuous sequence of vast straight movement.

연속 means 'continuity' or 'sequence'.

Common Collocations

계속 직진하다

앞으로 직진하다

사거리에서 직진하다

쭉 직진하다

직진 신호

직진 차선

직진 금지

목표를 향해 직진하다

무조건 직진하다

직진 코스

Common Phrases

여기서 직진하세요.

— Go straight from here. Used for immediate directions.

여기서 직진하세요, 그럼 은행이 보여요.

직진해 주세요.

— Please go straight. Used when requesting a driver to keep going.

택시 기사님, 다음 사거리까지 직진해 주세요.

직진하면 돼요.

— You just have to go straight. Used to simplify directions.

길 찾기 쉬워요. 그냥 직진하면 돼요.

직진 방향입니다.

— It is the straight direction. Common GPS phrase.

잠시 후 직진 방향입니다.

직진해서 가세요.

— Go straight and [then] go. Standard directional phrase.

직진해서 가다가 편의점에서 멈추세요.

계속 직진인가요?

— Is it straight continuously? Used to confirm a long straight path.

이 길로 계속 직진인가요?

직진밖에 없어요.

— There's only straight (no other turns).

길이 하나라 직진밖에 없어요.

직진 코스예요.

— It's a straight course. Used for roads or race tracks.

여기서부터는 쭉 직진 코스예요.

직진 신호예요.

— It's the straight signal. Used while driving at a light.

지금 직진 신호예요, 빨리 가요.

직진 본능

— Straight-going instinct. Used jokingly for people who never turn back.

그는 직진 본능이 있어서 뒤를 안 봐요.

Often Confused With

직진하다 vs 똑바로

Means 'straight' but also 'correctly' or 'upright'. Use '직진' for navigation.

직진하다 vs 전진

Means 'advance'. More formal/military than '직진'.

직진하다 vs 직행

Means 'non-stop travel' (like a bus), not just the direction.

Idioms & Expressions

"직진남"

— A man who is very direct and honest about his feelings for someone.

그는 좋아하는 사람에게만 직진하는 직진남이다.

Slang/Trendy

"직진녀"

— A woman who is very direct and bold in her actions or love life.

그녀는 사랑에 있어서는 완전 직진녀예요.

Slang/Trendy

"앞만 보고 직진하다"

— To move forward without looking back or being distracted.

과거는 잊고 앞만 보고 직진하세요.

Neutral

"직진 스타일"

— A personality that is straightforward and doesn't play games.

제 성격은 좀 직진 스타일이에요.

Colloquial

"노빠꾸 직진"

— Going straight with 'no back' (no turning back). Very informal.

이번 프로젝트는 노빠꾸 직진이다!

Slang

"사랑의 직진"

— The 'straight path' of love (unwavering affection).

그의 사랑의 직진은 멈추지 않았다.

Literary/Drama

"인생은 직진"

— Life is about moving forward (motto).

인생은 직진! 포기하지 마세요.

Casual

"직진 본능"

— An innate tendency to go straight or be direct.

술만 마시면 집에 직진하는 본능이 있어요.

Humorous

"직진 코스"

— A direct route to success or a goal.

이 방법이 합격으로 가는 직진 코스입니다.

Neutral

"직진 신호탄"

— A signal to start moving forward vigorously.

이번 계약이 우리 사업의 직진 신호탄이 될 거예요.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

직진하다 vs 지진 (Jijin)

Sounds similar to 'Jikjin'.

'Jijin' means earthquake. 'Jikjin' means go straight. The 'k' in 'jik' is the key difference.

어제 지진이 났어요 (There was an earthquake yesterday) vs 직진하세요 (Go straight).

직진하다 vs 직전 (Jikjeon)

One syllable difference.

'Jikjeon' means 'just before' (time or place).

도착 직전이에요 (I'm just about to arrive).

직진하다 vs 진진 (Jinjin)

Repetitive sound.

'Jinjin' is an archaic or rare term; 'Jikjin' is common.

N/A

직진하다 vs 직업 (Jigeop)

Starts with 'Jik'.

'Jigeop' means 'job' or 'profession'.

직업이 뭐예요? (What is your job?)

직진하다 vs 진행 (Jinhaeng)

Contains 'Jin'.

'Jinhaeng' means 'progress' or 'proceed' (often for tasks).

회의를 진행합시다 (Let's proceed with the meeting).

Sentence Patterns

여기서 직진하세요.

[Distance] 직진하세요.

100미터 직진하세요.

[Place]에서 직진하세요.

사거리에서 직진하세요.

직진하면 [Place]이/가 나와요.

직진하면 병원이 나와요.

직진해서 [Action].

직진해서 우회전하세요.

직진하는 [Noun].

직진하는 차량이 많아요.

목표를 향해 직진하다.

우리는 성공을 향해 직진하고 있다.

[Philosophy]대로 직진하다.

그는 자신의 신념대로 평생을 직진했다.

Word Family

Nouns

직진 (Straight movement)

직선 (Straight line)

전진 (Advance)

진행 (Progress)

Verbs

직진하다 (To go straight)

전진하다 (To advance)

진행하다 (To proceed)

직행하다 (To go non-stop)

Adjectives

직진의 (Straight-directional)

직선적인 (Linear/Straightforward)

좌회전 (Left turn)

우회전 (Right turn)

유턴 (U-turn)

교차로 (Intersection)

신호등 (Traffic light)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in navigation, daily travel, and modern slang.

Common Mistakes

Using '똑바로' for every 'straight' situation. → Use '직진' for navigation and '똑바로' for posture or behavior.
While '똑바로 가다' works for walking, '직진' is the standard for driving and technical directions.
Saying '직진에 가요'. → Say '직진해요' or '앞으로 가요'.
You don't go 'to' straight; you 'do' straight movement (직진하다).
Confusing '직진' with '지진'. → Listen for the 'k' sound in '직'.
'지진' means earthquake. Telling a driver there is an earthquake instead of to go straight is a big mistake!
Overusing the object particle: '직진을 하세요'. → Use '직진하세요'.
It's not wrong, but it's very wordy and less common in natural speech.
Using '전진' in a taxi. → Use '직진'.
'전진' sounds like a military command to 'advance'. It's too formal for a taxi ride.

Tips

In the Car

If you missed a turn, you might hear the GPS say '직진 후 유턴하세요' (Go straight and then U-turn).

Personality

Calling someone '직진 스타일' is usually a compliment in modern Korea, meaning they are honest and brave.

Connecting Actions

Use '직진해서' to connect 'go straight' with another action, like '직진해서 좌회전하세요'.

GPS Voice

Listen for '직진' in subway announcements when indicating which way to exit to a certain landmark.

Emphasis

Add '쭉' (jjuk) before '직진' to sound more like a native: '쭉 직진하세요'.

The 'J' Rule

Just remember: Jik-Jin = Journey Inwards (Straight).

Hanja Knowledge

Knowing that '직' (直) means straight helps you learn words like '직접' (direct) and '직선' (straight line).

Seoul Navigation

In hilly areas of Seoul, '직진' might actually involve going up or down a hill, but the direction remains straight.

Road Signs

A blue sign with a white arrow pointing up means '직진' is the only permitted direction.

Verb vs Noun

Remember '직진' is the noun, '직진하다' is the verb. Use the noun for labels and the verb for instructions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jik' as a 'Quick' 'J'olt forward, and 'Jin' as 'Jean' walking in a straight line. Jik-Jin!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright green arrow pointing perfectly upward on a black road. That arrow is 'Jikjin'.

Word Web

직진 (Straight ahead) 좌회전 (Left) 우회전 (Right) 후진 (Reverse) 정지 (Stop) 신호 (Signal) 도로 (Road) 목적지 (Destination)

Challenge

Try to give someone directions to your favorite cafe using only the words '직진', '좌회전', and '우회전'.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean origin. Derived from the Hanja characters 直 (직) and 進 (진).

Original meaning: 直 (jik) means 'straight' or 'upright'. 進 (jin) means 'to advance' or 'to move forward'. Together, they mean 'to advance in a straight line'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; this is a neutral navigational term.

In English, we often say 'Go straight' or 'Keep going.' Korean '직진' is slightly more formal than 'Go straight' but more common than 'Advance.'

The song 'Jikjin' by the K-pop group TREASURE. The term '직진남' frequently used in dramas like 'Business Proposal'. GPS voice commands in popular apps like KakaoMap.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In a Taxi

여기서 직진해 주세요.
사거리에서 직진인가요?
신호등 지나서 직진해 주세요.
계속 직진해 주세요.

Walking Directions

앞으로 50미터 직진하세요.
직진하면 편의점이 보여요.
출구에서 나와서 직진하세요.
이 길로 쭉 직진하세요.

Driving

직진 신호를 기다려요.
직진 차선으로 가세요.
터널 안에서 직진하세요.
고속도로에서 계속 직진하세요.

Social/Romance

그는 정말 직진 스타일이야.
사랑에 직진하는 편이에요.
망설이지 말고 직진해!
직진남이 대세예요.

GPS Commands

잠시 후 직진입니다.
직진 방향으로 주행하세요.
약 300미터 앞 직진입니다.
계속 직진 코스입니다.

Conversation Starters

"여기서 직진하면 명동이 나오나요? (If I go straight here, does Myeongdong appear?)"

"길을 잃었는데, 어느 쪽으로 직진해야 해요? (I'm lost, which way should I go straight?)"

"택시 기사님, 강남역까지 직진으로 가주실 수 있나요? (Taxi driver, can you go straight to Gangnam Station?)"

"너는 사랑할 때 직진하는 스타일이야? (Are you the type to go straight when you love someone?)"

"이 사거리에서 직진 신호가 긴가요? (Is the straight signal long at this intersection?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 길을 찾으면서 '직진'했던 경험을 써보세요. (Write about an experience where you went 'straight' while finding your way today.)

자신의 성격이 '직진 스타일'인지 아니면 조심스러운 편인지 설명해 보세요. (Describe if your personality is a 'straight-going style' or more on the cautious side.)

목표를 향해 직진하기 위해 필요한 것은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is needed to go straight toward your goals?)

가장 좋아하는 '직진남' 또는 '직진녀' 캐릭터에 대해 써보세요. (Write about your favorite 'straight-going' character.)

인생의 길에서 직진만 하는 것이 항상 좋은지 자신의 생각을 적어보세요. (Write your thoughts on whether only going straight in life is always good.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '직진하다' is perfectly fine for walking, though '쭉 가다' or '똑바로 가다' are also very common in casual speech.

It is a popular slang term for a man who is very direct and honest about his romantic feelings, not playing games or being shy.

It is a standard word. It's used in formal GPS voices but is also used every day by friends. It's neutral-formal.

Say '직진해 주세요' (Jikjin-hae ju-se-yo) for a polite and clear request.

'직진' is for direction (straight). '전진' is for the act of advancing or moving forward, often in military or formal contexts.

Yes, on signs you will often see just the word '직진' with an arrow.

No, it only implies direction. You can '직진' slowly or quickly.

It means 'No Straight Through' or 'Do Not Go Straight,' usually found on road signs.

Both are correct, but '직진해요' is much more natural and common in spoken Korean.

Yes, metaphorically. '목표를 향해 직진해' means 'Go straight toward your goal without distraction.'