In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'go straight' in Chinese.
- Used for walking, driving, or giving any physical directions.
- Very literal and easy for beginners to use immediately.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for giving directions. It literally tells someone to keep moving forward without turning until they reach their destination.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving directions to a tourist
一直往前走，就在你的左边。
Go straight, it's right on your left.
Directing a taxi driver
师傅，麻烦一直往前走。
Driver, please just keep going straight.
Texting a friend who is lost
别拐弯，一直往前走就到了！
Don't turn, just keep going straight and you're there!
Cultural Background
In traditional Chinese urban planning, the 'axis' was sacred, leading to a linguistic preference for straight-line directions. Interestingly, while Westerners might use 'blocks' to measure distance, Chinese speakers often pair this phrase with landmarks like 'the big tree' or 'the red building.'
The Hand Gesture
When you say this, always use a 'chopping' hand motion pointing forward. It's the universal Chinese sign for 'straight ahead' and helps if your tones are off!
Don't confuse with 'Right'
Beginners often mix up `一直` (yīzhí - straight) and `右` (yòu - right) because they both start with a 'y' sound in Pinyin. Listen for the 'zh' sound!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'go straight' in Chinese.
- Used for walking, driving, or giving any physical directions.
- Very literal and easy for beginners to use immediately.
What It Means
一直往前走 is the bread and butter of Chinese navigation. It is a simple, direct command. It tells someone to maintain their current course. You are essentially saying, 'Don't turn left or right yet.' It is the most common way to say 'go straight.'
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly easy. You can say it as a standalone sentence. You can also add a distance or a landmark. For example, add 到路口 (to the intersection) at the end. It functions as a clear instruction. You don't need complex grammar here. Just point and say it with confidence. Even if your tones are shaky, the context helps.
When To Use It
Use it when a tourist looks lost. Use it when your friend is driving. It is perfect for giving walking directions. You will hear this constantly in taxis. If you are using a GPS app, you will hear it every few minutes. It is a very practical, everyday expression. It saves time and prevents confusion.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the path is curved. If there is a slight bend, use different words. Don't use it as a metaphor for life progress. While 'keep going' works in English, this is mostly physical. In a business meeting about 'moving forward,' use 继续努力. Using 一直往前走 there might make people look for the exit. It sounds a bit too much like a literal walk.
Cultural Background
Chinese cities used to be designed on grids. Think of old Beijing or Xi'an. Everything was North, South, East, or West. Because of this, 'straight' is a very dominant concept. People prefer clear, linear directions. Even in modern, winding cities, this phrase remains the standard. It reflects a desire for directness in navigation.
Common Variations
一直走(Keep walking) - Shorter and very common.往前走(Walk forward) - Slightly less emphasis on the 'straight' part.直走(Go straight) - The most clipped, efficient version.一直往前开(Keep driving forward) - Use this specifically for cars.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe to use with anyone from a taxi driver to a grandmother. It is functionally neutral. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you don't use it for metaphorical 'progress' in a professional setting.
The Hand Gesture
When you say this, always use a 'chopping' hand motion pointing forward. It's the universal Chinese sign for 'straight ahead' and helps if your tones are off!
Don't confuse with 'Right'
Beginners often mix up `一直` (yīzhí - straight) and `右` (yòu - right) because they both start with a 'y' sound in Pinyin. Listen for the 'zh' sound!
North/South Bias
In cities like Beijing, people might say 'Go North' instead of 'Go Straight.' If you're lost, `一直往前走` is safer because it's relative to where you are facing.
Examples
6一直往前走，就在你的左边。
Go straight, it's right on your left.
A classic way to finish a direction instruction.
师傅，麻烦一直往前走。
Driver, please just keep going straight.
Adding 'Shifu' makes it polite and natural.
别拐弯，一直往前走就到了！
Don't turn, just keep going straight and you're there!
The 'don't turn' part adds extra clarity.
请大家一直往前走，不要掉队。
Everyone please keep walking forward, don't fall behind.
Used here to keep a group moving together.
你还要一直往前走吗？我们要过头了！
Are you going to keep going straight? We're going to miss it!
Used to playfully point out someone is oblivious.
快到了，一直往前走，加油！
Almost there, keep going forward, you can do it!
Uses physical direction as a form of encouragement.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for 'Go straight'.
___ 往前走。
`一直` (yīzhí) means 'continuously' or 'straight' in the context of direction.
How do you tell a driver to keep going straight?
师傅，请 ___ 走。
`一直往前` is the most natural way to tell a driver to maintain their course.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercises___ 往前走。
`一直` (yīzhí) means 'continuously' or 'straight' in the context of direction.
师傅，请 ___ 走。
`一直往前` is the most natural way to tell a driver to maintain their course.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 一直走 is the short version. It's very common and means exactly the same thing in casual conversation.
It is neutral. To make it more formal, just add 请 (please) at the beginning: 请一直往前走.
It works for both! If you want to be specific about driving, you can swap 走 (walk) for 开 (drive), as in 一直往前开.
If the road curves but there are no turns, you can still use it. It implies 'stay on this road'.
You would say 一直往前走一百米 (yīzhí wǎng qián zǒu yī bǎi mǐ).
By itself, 一直 means 'always' or 'continuously.' In a direction context, it means 'straight'.
Not really. For tasks, use 继续 (jìxù). 一直往前走 is almost always about physical movement.
Not exactly slang, but 直插 (zhí chā) is sometimes used to mean 'go straight through' something like a park or crowd.
The opposite would be 往回走 (wǎng huí zǒu), which means 'go back' or 'turn around'.
You can skip it in very casual speech (一直前走), but it sounds much more natural and 'correct' to keep it in.
Related Phrases
左拐
Turn left
右拐
Turn right
向后转
Turn around / face backward
就在那儿
It's right there
