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A2 verb 8 min read

直行

zhíxíng

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 直行 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 直行 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize '直行' (zhíxíng) as a basic instruction for 'go straight'. You will mostly see it on signs or hear it from a GPS. It is simpler than '一直走' because it is often just two characters on a sign with an arrow. Think of it as a 'survival word' for not getting lost. You don't need to use it in complex grammar yet, just understand that when you see it, you should not turn left or right. It is often paired with '请' (qǐng) to make '请直行' (Please go straight).

At the A2 level, you can start using '直行' in your own sentences to give basic directions. You should be able to combine it with distance markers, such as '直行一百米' (go straight for 100 meters). You will also notice it in traffic contexts, like '直行车道' (straight-through lane). You should understand the difference between this and '一直走'—'直行' is more formal and specific to the direction of the path, while '一直走' is more about the continuous action of walking. You can use it when talking to a taxi driver.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '直行' in more complex navigation scenarios. You can use it to describe routes in detail, such as '在第二个十字路口直行，然后右转' (Go straight at the second intersection, then turn right). You should also begin to recognize its use in public announcements and formal writing. You will understand that '直行' is a technical term used in traffic laws and regulations. You can explain why a car shouldn't have turned by saying '这里只能直行' (You can only go straight here).

At the B2 level, '直行' becomes a part of your professional and formal vocabulary. You can use it in discussions about urban planning, traffic management, or logistics. You might encounter it in metaphorical contexts in literature, though it remains primarily physical. You should be able to distinguish it from synonyms like '径直' or '直接' in nuanced writing. You can use it to describe the trajectory of objects in a more scientific or technical way, such as the path of a projectile or the layout of a building's corridors in a formal report.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the character components. You recognize '直' in various abstract contexts (like '正直' for integrity) and '行' in its many roles. You can use '直行' in highly formal or legal contexts, such as describing right-of-way in a traffic accident report or analyzing the efficiency of a transit route. You might use it as a stylistic choice in creative writing to create a sense of mechanical or rigid movement. You understand the historical evolution of the characters and how '直行' became the standard modern term for linear progression.

At the C2 level, '直行' is a simple building block used with effortless precision. You can use it in philosophical discourse to represent the 'straight path' in life, contrasting it with more circuitous or 'crooked' routes. You are aware of regional variations in how the word is used across the Sinosphere. You can analyze the linguistic economy of the term in signage design. In high-level interpreting or translation, you know exactly when to translate it as 'proceed straight,' 'maintain course,' or 'continue ahead' based on the subtle register of the source text.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

直行 in 30 Seconds

直行 (zhíxíng) means 'to go straight' and is primarily used for providing or following directions.
It is a formal verb commonly found on road signs, in GPS systems, and in taxi conversations.
Unlike '一直走', which is more colloquial, '直行' is precise and often used at intersections.
It is a key A2-level word for anyone navigating Chinese cities or driving in China.

The Chinese verb 直行 (zhíxíng) is a fundamental directional term that translates directly to 'go straight' or 'proceed forward without turning.' In the context of modern Mandarin, it is the standard command used in navigation, driving, and pedestrian directions. While beginners often learn 一直走 (yīzhí zǒu) first, 直行 is the more formal and precise term found on road signs, GPS systems, and professional instructions.

Spatial Orientation: It describes a linear movement through space. When you are at a crossroads and the path forward is the continuation of your current trajectory, you perform a 直行. It is the absence of a left or right turn.
Formal Navigation: In aviation, maritime, and automotive contexts, 直行 is the technical command. If you are listening to Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode), the voice will frequently say, '前方请直行' (Please go straight ahead).

在红绿灯处请直行，不要拐弯。
— Navigation Instruction

The term is composed of two characters: 直 (zhí), meaning straight or upright, and 行 (xíng), meaning to go or walk. Together, they form a verb that is highly efficient. In a bustling city like Shanghai or Beijing, understanding this word is crucial for survival. Whether you are in a taxi or asking for help in a subway station, 直行 is your primary tool for linear progression. It is also used metaphorically in some contexts to mean 'moving forward' in a task without distraction, although its primary usage remains physical.

Furthermore, 直行 is often contrasted with 左转 (zuǒzhuǎn - turn left) and 右转 (yòuzhuǎn - turn right). In the hierarchy of traffic rules, vehicles going straight often have the right of way over turning vehicles, a concept known as '直行优先' (zhíxíng yōuxiān). This makes the word not just a direction, but a legal status on the road. For a learner at the A2 level, mastering this word marks the transition from 'survival Chinese' to 'functional Chinese.' You aren't just saying you are walking; you are describing the specific vector of your movement with precision.

The 'Zhi' Character: The character 直 originally depicted an eye looking straight ahead. This visual origin reinforces the idea of maintaining a fixed, unswerving gaze and path.

Using 直行 correctly requires understanding its role as a verb of motion. It can stand alone as a command or be integrated into complex directional sentences. It is frequently preceded by location markers or temporal markers to indicate where or when the action should take place.

过了这个路口，继续直行五百米。
After passing this intersection, continue to go straight for 500 meters.

One common structure is [Location] + [Direction] + 直行. For example, '向前直行' (Go straight forward). Note that while 走 (zǒu) is the general word for walk, 直行 is more about the trajectory. You can 直行 while driving a car, riding a bike, or even flying a plane. It is not limited to foot travel.

The Imperative Form: In a taxi, you might say: '师傅，这里直行' (Driver, go straight here). It is polite, concise, and leaves no room for ambiguity. If you used '一直走', it might imply walking for a long time, whereas 直行 specifically tells him not to turn at the upcoming junction.

In more advanced contexts, you will see 直行 used in traffic reports: '该路段禁止直行' (Going straight is prohibited on this section of the road). Here, it acts almost like a noun, representing the 'act of going straight.' For students, the key is to recognize that 直 (straight) modifies the 行 (action of moving). If you are describing a path on a map, you could say '这条路是直行的' (This road goes straight), though it is more common to use it as an instruction.

请在最右侧车道直行。
Please go straight in the rightmost lane.

If you spend any time in a Chinese-speaking environment, 直行 will be one of the most frequent words hitting your eardrums. It is the 'white noise' of urban navigation. The most ubiquitous source is the **GPS Navigation Voice**. Whether it's a Didi driver's phone or your own Baidu Maps app, you will hear a calm, synthesized voice saying '前方经过红绿灯，请直行' (Passing through traffic lights ahead, please go straight) every few minutes.

Public Transport: In massive subway hubs like People's Square in Shanghai, signs will point towards transfers with the text '换乘1号线请直行' (To transfer to Line 1, please go straight). The announcements might also use similar phrasing during peak hours to manage crowd flow.

Another place is **Driving Schools (驾校 - jiàxiào)**. Instructors use this word constantly. '看前方，保持直行!' (Look ahead, keep going straight!). It is a core part of the technical vocabulary for any driver in China. You will also see it on **Digital Road Displays**. Many cities have LED boards above highways that show traffic conditions; they might display '直行畅通' (Going straight is clear/smooth) to indicate no traffic jams ahead.

“师傅，前面那个十字路口我们要直行吗？”
“Master (Driver), do we go straight at that intersection ahead?”

In a more personal setting, if you are lost and ask a local for directions, they might say: '你就沿着这条街直行，走五分钟就到了' (Just go straight along this street, walk for five minutes and you'll be there). While they might use '一直走' in casual speech, 直行 adds a layer of clarity that prevents you from accidentally turning into a side alley. It is the language of efficiency.

Even though 直行 seems simple, English speakers often trip over its specific usage compared to other 'straight' words in Chinese. The most common error is using 直行 when you mean 一直 (yīzhí).

直行 vs. 一直: 直行 is a verb meaning 'to move in a straight line.' 一直 is an adverb meaning 'continuously' or 'always.' You cannot say '我直行喜欢你' to mean 'I always like you.' That would be '我一直喜欢你.' Conversely, '一直走' is 'keep walking,' while '直行' is 'go straight.'

Another mistake is the **confusion between 'straight' as an adjective and a verb**. In English, we say 'The road is straight.' In Chinese, you wouldn't say '路是直行的.' You would say '路很直' (lù hěn zhí). 直行 is the action of traveling, not the quality of the object.

Incorrect: 请一直行。 (Qǐng yīzhí xíng.)
Correct: 请直行。 or 请一直走。

Learners also often mispronounce the second tone in 直 (zhí). If you say it with a first tone (zhī), it might sound like 'paper' or 'only' depending on the context. Ensure the tone rises clearly. Furthermore, in Southern China, speakers might de-retroflex the 'zh' into a 'z' sound, making it sound like 'zí xíng'. While you will be understood, as a learner, aiming for the standard 'zh' is better for clarity across all regions.

Chinese has several ways to say 'go straight,' each with a slightly different nuance. Understanding these will make your speech sound more natural and help you understand various registers of the language.

一直走 (yīzhí zǒu): This is the most common colloquial equivalent. It literally means 'continuously walk/go.' It is slightly less formal than 直行 and is used in everyday conversation. If you are telling a friend how to get to your house, you'd likely use this.
向前走 (xiàng qián zǒu): Meaning 'walk forward.' This is more about the direction (forward) rather than the lack of turning. You could 'walk forward' while following a curved path, whereas 直行 implies a straight line.
径直 (jìngzhí): A more literary or formal adverb meaning 'directly' or 'straightaway.' For example: '他径直向我走来' (He walked straight toward me). It implies a sense of purpose and lack of hesitation.

When choosing between 直行 and 一直走, consider your environment. If you are looking at a sign or a GPS, it's 直行. If you are chatting with a neighbor, 一直走 is more relaxed. In a professional driving context, 直行 is the standard.

Comparison:
1. 请直行 (Formal/Signs)
2. 一直走就到了 (Casual/Spoken)

In some regions, you might hear '直冲' (zhíchōng), which is very informal and implies 'going straight ahead quickly' or 'charging ahead.' However, for an A2 learner, sticking to 直行 and 一直走 will cover 99% of your needs.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '直行' was also used to describe a person's moral character—someone who 'walked straight' was seen as honest and incorruptible. Today, that moral meaning has mostly shifted to '正直' (zhèngzhí), leaving '直行' for physical movement.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tʂɨ̌ ɕǐŋ

US tʂɨ̌ ɕǐŋ

The stress is equal on both syllables, though 'xíng' often carries the finality of the action.

Rhymes With

明 (míng) 听 (tīng) 情 (qíng) 平 (píng) 星 (xīng) 京 (jīng) 兵 (bīng) 定 (dìng - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zh' as 'z' (zi xing instead of zhi xing).
Pronouncing 'x' as 'sh' (shi xing instead of xing).
Failing to use the rising second tone on both characters.
Confusing the pinyin 'xing' with 'xiong'.
Using a flat first tone for 'zhi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common.

Writing 3/5

The character '直' has several strokes that need to be in the right order.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say once you master the 'zh' and 'x' sounds.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct in a navigation context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

走路前左右

Learn Next

转弯十字路口信号灯掉头导航

Advanced

径直正直行政行业笔直

Grammar to Know

Using '在' for location of action.

在路口直行。

Using '请' for polite imperatives.

请直行。

Specifying distance after the verb.

直行两公里。

Using '然后' to sequence directions.

直行，然后左转。

Negative commands with '不要'.

不要转弯，直行。

Examples by Level

请直行。

Please go straight.

A simple imperative sentence using the polite '请'.

我直行。

I go straight.

Subject + Verb structure.

直行，然后右转。

Go straight, then turn right.

Using '然后' to connect two directional actions.

这里可以直行吗？

Can I go straight here?

A question using '可以...吗' to ask for permission.

前面直行。

Go straight ahead.

'前面' acts as a location marker before the verb.

不要转弯，直行。

Don't turn, go straight.

Negative command '不要' followed by the positive command.

直行到学校。

Go straight to the school.

'到' indicates the destination.

大家请直行。

Everyone, please go straight.

Addressing a group with '大家'.

在红绿灯处直行。

Go straight at the traffic lights.

'在...处' indicates the specific location of the action.

请直行两百米。

Please go straight for 200 meters.

Adding a measure of distance after the verb.

出租车在直行。

The taxi is going straight.

Present continuous sense using '在'.

你需要直行穿过公园。

You need to go straight through the park.

Using '穿过' (to cross through) with '直行'.

这里的车只能直行。

Cars here can only go straight.

'只能' emphasizes the restriction.

直行比转弯快。

Going straight is faster than turning.

A comparison sentence using '比'.

请问，去银行是直行吗？

Excuse me, is it straight to the bank?

Asking for confirmation of a route.

直行到头，你会看到超市。

Go straight to the end, and you will see the supermarket.

'到头' means 'to the very end'.

导航系统提示我们继续直行。

The navigation system prompted us to continue straight.

Using '提示' (to prompt/remind) and '继续' (to continue).

如果你直行，就不会迷路。

If you go straight, you won't get lost.

A conditional '如果...就' sentence.

直行车道的车流量很大。

The traffic volume in the straight-through lane is very high.

Using '直行' as an adjective to modify '车道' (lane).

他没有转弯，而是选择了直行。

He didn't turn; instead, he chose to go straight.

Using '而是' to show a contrast between two choices.

请在主路直行，不要进入辅路。

Please go straight on the main road, do not enter the side road.

Contrasting '主路' (main road) and '辅路' (side road).

直行大约五分钟后，你会看到一座桥。

After going straight for about five minutes, you will see a bridge.

Combining duration '大约五分钟' with a future event.

为了安全，请保持直行，不要随意变道。

For safety, please keep going straight and do not change lanes randomly.

Using '为了' to indicate purpose.

这辆直行的自行车差点撞到行人。

This bicycle going straight almost hit a pedestrian.

Using '直行' to describe the state of the bicycle.

交警正在指挥直行的车辆有序通过。

The traffic police are directing straight-going vehicles to pass in an orderly manner.

Formal vocabulary like '指挥' and '有序'.

尽管路况复杂，他依然决定直行。

Despite the complex road conditions, he still decided to go straight.

Using '尽管...依然' for concession.

直行信号灯变绿后，请迅速起步。

After the straight-through signal turns green, please start your vehicle quickly.

Technical term '信号灯' and '起步'.

在高速公路上，直行是最基本的驾驶要求。

On the highway, going straight is the most basic driving requirement.

Using '最基本的' to define a requirement.

根据地图显示，我们应该一直保持直行状态。

According to the map, we should maintain a straight-going state.

'根据...显示' and '保持...状态' (maintain a state).

这架飞机在云层上方平稳地直行。

The plane is flying straight steadily above the clouds.

Applying the term to aviation.

他习惯于在思考时直行，不看两边的风景。

He is used to walking straight when thinking, without looking at the scenery on either side.

Describing a habit or characteristic.

直行优先原则在交通事故责任认定中非常重要。

The principle of straight-through priority is very important in determining accident liability.

Highly formal/legal terminology.

该路口的直行标志被繁茂的树叶遮挡了。

The straight-through sign at the intersection was obscured by lush leaves.

Passive structure with '被' and descriptive adjectives.

逻辑思维要求我们在推导过程中保持“直行”，不被干扰。

Logical thinking requires us to stay 'straight' in the derivation process and not be distracted.

Metaphorical use in an intellectual context.

这条古道的直行路线见证了千年的商贸往来。

The straight route of this ancient path has witnessed a thousand years of trade.

Personification of the route ('见证').

在复杂的官僚体系中，想要“直行”办事往往很难。

In a complex bureaucracy, it is often difficult to handle matters 'directly/straight'.

Abstract usage referring to efficiency and directness.

由于前方施工，所有直行车辆必须在此处绕行。

Due to construction ahead, all straight-through vehicles must detour here.

Formal cause-effect '由于...必须'.

他那直行的性格让他在这场复杂的博弈中处于劣势。

His straightforward personality put him at a disadvantage in this complex game.

Character description using '直行' metaphorically.

城市规划者试图通过增加直行车道来缓解交通拥堵。

Urban planners are trying to ease traffic congestion by increasing straight-through lanes.

Professional context of urban planning.

在量子力学中，微观粒子并不总是沿直线直行。

In quantum mechanics, microscopic particles do not always travel straight in a line.

Scientific application.

历史的洪流并不总是直行，而是充满了曲折与回旋。

The torrent of history does not always move straight; it is full of twists and turns.

Philosophical observation on history.

这种叙事方式摒弃了时间的直行性，采用了碎片化的结构。

This narrative style abandons the linearity of time and adopts a fragmented structure.

Literary and artistic criticism.

在法律的尺度下，任何偏离直行的行为都可能受到制裁。

Under the scale of the law, any behavior that deviates from the 'straight path' may be sanctioned.

Metaphorical legal language.

建筑师利用长廊的直行感营造出一种庄严肃穆的氛围。

The architect used the sense of straightness of the corridor to create a solemn atmosphere.

Aesthetic analysis.

他的目光始终直行，仿佛能穿透世间的一切虚伪。

His gaze always went straight, as if it could penetrate all the hypocrisy in the world.

Poetic and descriptive.

在这部电影中，摄像机的直行运动象征着主角不可逆转的命运。

In this movie, the camera's straight movement symbolizes the protagonist's irreversible fate.

Cinematic analysis.

即便面临诱惑，他依然恪守内心的准则，直行于世。

Even in the face of temptation, he still abides by his inner principles and walks straight in the world.

Moral and ethical description.

该理论假设市场在没有外力干扰时会保持直行的增长趋势。

The theory assumes that the market will maintain a straight growth trend in the absence of external interference.

Economic modeling terminology.

Common Collocations

直行车道

继续直行

禁止直行

直行信号

直行优先

保持直行

直行通过

前方直行

准许直行

直行箭标

Common Phrases

一直直行

— To keep going straight without any deviation.

你就一直直行，直到看到喷泉。

路口直行

— Go straight at the intersection.

下一个路口直行。

直行到底

— Go straight until the very end of the road.

这条街直行到底就是公园。

只能直行

— You can only go straight (no turns allowed).

这里只能直行，不能左转。

直行标志

— A sign indicating one should go straight.

你看那个直行标志。

直行绿灯

— The green light for going straight.

现在是直行绿灯。

请勿直行

— Please do not go straight.

前方施工，请勿直行。

低头直行

— To walk straight with one's head down (metaphorical or literal).

他低头直行，没理我。

快速直行

— To go straight quickly.

救护车在快速直行。

沿路直行

— Go straight along the road.

沿路直行两站地。

Often Confused With

直行 vs 一直

Means 'continuously' or 'always'. '一直走' is okay, but '直行' is specifically 'go straight'.

直行 vs 直接

Means 'direct' or 'immediate'. '直接去' is 'go directly', while '直行' is the physical path.

直行 vs 直线

A noun meaning 'straight line'. You walk '直行', you draw a '直线'.

Idioms & Expressions

"直来直去"

— To be straightforward in one's speech or actions; blunt.

他这个人直来直去，没心机。

Informal

"径直而行"

— To walk straight without hesitation; to go directly.

他径直而行，进了办公室。

Formal

"勇往直前"

— To advance bravely and straight ahead; to go forward undaunted.

我们要勇往直前，克服困难。

Idiomatic

"一意孤行"

— To insist on doing things one's own way; to go straight on a path regardless of advice (negative).

他一意孤行，最后失败了。

Literary

"直截了当"

— Straightforward and efficient; direct.

他说得非常直截了当。

Common

"开门见山"

— To get straight to the point (like seeing the mountain as soon as you open the door).

我们开门见山地谈吧。

Idiomatic

"笔直"

— Straight as a pen/brush.

这条路笔直笔直的。

Descriptive

"直言不讳"

— To speak straight without hiding anything.

他直言不讳地指出了错误。

Formal

"正道直行"

— To walk the correct and straight path in life.

为人处世应当正道直行。

Philosophical

"径行"

— To act directly or immediately.

此事可径行办理。

Administrative

Easily Confused

直行 vs 一直

Both contain '直' and relate to 'straight'.

'一直' is an adverb (always/continuously), '直行' is a verb (go straight).

我一直(always)在这儿。/ 请直行(go straight)。

直行 vs 向前

Both involve moving forward.

'向前' is a direction (forward), '直行' is the manner (straightly).

向前走(walk forward) / 请直行(go straight).

直行 vs 直达

Both start with '直'.

'直达' means 'non-stop' or 'direct to a destination'.

直达列车(non-stop train) / 直行(go straight).

直行 vs 正直

Contains '直'.

'正直' describes a person's character (honest/upright).

他是一个正直的人。

直行 vs 直线

Related to geometry.

'直线' is the noun 'straight line'.

画一条直线。

Sentence Patterns

请 + 直行

请直行。

在 + [Location] + 直行

在红绿灯直行。

直行 + [Distance]

直行一百米。

继续 + 直行

请继续直行。

只能 + 直行

这里只能直行。

保持 + 直行 + 状态

请保持直行状态。

[Subject] + 正在 + 直行

车辆正在直行。

由于...必须 + 直行

由于封路，必须直行。

Word Family

Nouns

直行车道

直行标志

Verbs

直行

直走

直通

Adjectives

直的

笔直的

正直的

左转

右转

掉头

十字路口

信号灯

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily life and navigation.

Common Mistakes

Using '一直' instead of '直行' for directions. → 请直行。
'一直' is an adverb meaning 'always', not a verb for 'go straight'.
Pronouncing '行' as 'háng'. → zhí xíng
'háng' is for 'bank' or 'row', 'xíng' is for 'walking/going'.
Saying '直行路' for 'a straight road'. → 笔直的路
'直行' is the action, not the description of the road's quality.
Adding '的' after '直行' in directions. → 直行五百米。
You don't need '的' between the verb and the distance.
Confusing '直行' with '直接'. → 请直行。
'直接' means 'directly' (without intermediaries), '直行' is physical direction.

Tips

Retroflex 'Zh'

Curl your tongue back for 'zhí'. If it sounds like 'zi', you're not curling enough.

Taxi Talk

When in a taxi, '直行' is the most efficient way to tell the driver not to turn.

No 'le' needed

In directions, don't say '直行了'. Just '直行' or '请直行'.

Look for Arrows

On Chinese roads, '直行' always accompanies an arrow pointing up.

Formal vs Informal

Use '直行' for writing and '一直走' for chatting.

Right of Way

Remember '直行优先' (Straight has priority) when crossing roads in China.

The 'I' Path

The 'i' in both words looks like a straight line. Let it guide you!

GPS Voice

Listen to navigation apps to hear the perfect native pronunciation of '直行'.

Beijing Grids

In grid-based cities, '直行' is your best friend for long avenues.

Tone Pair

Both are second tone (rising). Practice the double rising wave: ↗️ ↗️.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Z' for 'Zhi' but it's actually a straight line pointing up. 'Xing' sounds like 'sing'—imagine you are singing a song while walking in a straight line.

Visual Association

Visualize a giant green arrow pointing up on a black road. That arrow IS '直行'.

Word Web

直 (Straight) 行 (Go) 路 (Road) 车 (Car) 导航 (GPS) 箭头 (Arrow) 路口 (Intersection) 前方 (Ahead)

Challenge

Try to navigate your house today using only '直行', '左转', and '右转'. Every time you go through a doorway without turning, say '直行' out loud.

Word Origin

The term '直行' combines two ancient Chinese characters. '直' (zhí) dates back to oracle bone script, depicting an eye with a vertical line above it, signifying 'looking straight' or 'uprightness'. '行' (xíng) originally depicted a crossroads or a person walking, symbolizing movement or a path.

Original meaning: To walk in a straight line or to behave in an upright manner.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; this is a neutral directional term.

English speakers often say 'Go straight ahead' or 'Keep going.' '直行' is more concise.

Traffic safety campaigns in China often use '直行优先' as a slogan. Commonly heard in 'Baidu Maps' (百度地图) which has millions of daily users. Appears in standard Chinese driving test manuals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In a Taxi

师傅，直行。
前面那个路口直行。
这里可以直行吗？
请一直直行。

Asking for directions

去超市是直行吗？
直行要走多久？
从这里直行到头。
过马路后直行。

Driving

看直行信号灯。
进入直行车道。
直行车辆请注意。
保持直行。

At the Airport/Station

换乘请直行。
直行前往登机口。
直行到安检处。
行李寄存处请直行。

Using a Map App

前方请直行。
继续直行五百米。
请在直行车道行驶。
直行进入主路。

Conversation Starters

"请问，去天安门是直行还是转弯？"

"师傅，我们是在这个路口直行吗？"

"你看，那个牌子写着‘禁止直行’。"

"直行过去是不是就能看到地铁站了？"

"我觉得我们应该继续直行，你觉得呢？"

Journal Prompts

今天我迷路了，但是导航一直让我直行。描述一下当时的情况。

如果你的人生是一条直行的路，你希望终点是什么？

写一段话，告诉一个外国朋友如何从你家直行到最近的商店。

你喜欢直行的路还是弯曲的路？为什么？

描述一次你因为没有直行而走错路的经历。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, although '一直走' is more common in casual conversation, '直行' is perfectly correct and very common on signs for pedestrians.

No, it applies to any form of movement—walking, biking, driving, or even flying.

'直行' is more formal and emphasizes the straightness of the path. '一直走' is more colloquial and emphasizes the continuity of the action.

You can simply say '直行' (zhíxíng) or '师傅，直行' (shīfu, zhíxíng).

Yes, it can occasionally mean 'to act directly' or 'to follow a straight moral path,' though other words like '正直' are more common for character.

Yes, it is standard throughout the Chinese-speaking world, though regional accents may vary.

It means 'straight-going traffic has the right of way' over turning traffic.

In some contexts like '禁止直行' (Prohibit going straight), it functions as a verbal noun.

'行' means to go or walk, so '直行' literally means 'straight go'.

It is always 'zhí xíng'. The character '行' is pronounced 'háng' only when it means 'profession' or 'row'.