Translation and Meaning of: 直 - jiki

The Japanese word 直[じき] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances that are worth exploring. If you're studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your knowledge of the language and culture of Japan. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, usage, and particularities of this expression, as well as provide practical tips for those who wish to incorporate it into their vocabulary.

Often, words like 直[じき] go unnoticed in conventional dictionaries, but here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide detailed and reliable information to facilitate your learning. We will uncover everything from the origin to everyday examples, ensuring that you not only memorize it but also understand how and when to use it.

Meaning and usage of 直[じき]

直[じき] is a term that can be translated as "directly" or "immediately," depending on the context. It is often used to indicate an action that occurs without intermediaries or delays. For example, in situations where something is done directly, without beating around the bush, this word fits perfectly.

Moreover, 直[じき] can appear in more formal or literary constructions, giving a more serious or precise tone to the sentence. It is common to see it in manuals, instructions, or even in dialogues that require clarity. Although it is not one of the most frequent in daily life, its use is relevant in specific contexts.

Origin and components of the term

The kanji 直[じき] is formed by the character 直, which conveys the idea of "correct" or "directly." This kanji is composed of elements that reference concepts of uprightness and immediacy, reinforcing the word's meaning. The reading じき is one of several possible for this character, which can cause confusion for beginners.

It is important to note that although the kanji is the same in other words, the pronunciation and meaning can vary. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the context to avoid confusing 直[じき] with terms like 直[なお]す (to fix) or 直[ちょく]接 (directly). This subtle difference is one of the challenges of Japanese, but also what makes it fascinating.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 直[じき] is to associate it with situations where the idea of "directly" or "without delay" applies. For example, think of phrases like "immediate response" or "direct contact." Creating flashcards with practical examples can also help, especially if you are using platforms like Anki for review.

Another tip is to observe the use of this word in authentic materials, such as news or videos in Japanese. Often, the context helps to better understand when and why it is used. If possible, write down sentences you find and try to recreate them in different situations. Constant practice is the key to mastering terms like this.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• まっすぐ (massugu) - Straightforward, straight, without deviation.
• 直ちに (tadachini) - Immediately, without delay.
• ただちに (tadachini) - Similar to "直ちに", used in formal contexts.
• じかに (jikani) - Directly, personally.
• すぐに (suguni) - Logo, immediately, soon.
• ひたすら (hitasura) - With total dedication; without getting distracted.
• 率直に (sotchokuni) - Frankly; directly, without beating around the bush.
• 真っ直ぐ (massugu) - Similar to "まっすぐ", emphasizing being completely straight.
• 直接 (chokusetsu) - Directly, without intermediaries.
• 直に (nao ni) - Directly, in comparison to something that is more indirect.
• 直接的に (chokusetsuteki ni) - In a straightforward manner, generally used in more technical contexts.
• 直截に (chokusetu ni) - In a direct, clear, and unambiguous way.
• 直言に (chokugen ni) - Honestly, saying directly what you think.
• 直言不避 (chokugen fuhibi) - To say something directly without avoiding the subject.
• 率直に言って (sotchokuni itte) - Frankly speaking, in a more casual approach.
• 率直に述べて (sotchokuni nobete) - Expressing something openly.
• 率直に言えば (sotchokuni ieba) - If I go straight to the point, using a common expression.
• 率直に言わせて (sotchokuni iwasete) - Allow me to speak directly, in a polite manner.
• 率直に言わせていただく (sotchokuni iwasete itadaku) - With permission, let me speak frankly.
• 率直に言わせていただければ (sotchokuni iwasete itadakereba) - If I may speak frankly, in a very polite manner.
• 率直に言わせていただくと (sotchokuni iwasete itadaku to) - If I may speak directly, it is usually used to introduce an opinion.

直

Romaji: jiki
Kana: じき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: direct; personally; shortly; immediately; fair; next to; honesty; frankness; simplicity; happiness; correction; be straight; night duty

Meaning in English: direct;in person;soon;at once;just;near by;honesty;frankness;simplicity;cheerfulness;correctness;being straight;night duty

Definition: Direto.

Example Sentences - (直) jiki

See below some example sentences:

直前に電車が遅れた。

Chokuzen ni densha ga okureta

The train was late at the last minute.

The train was postponed shortly before.

• 直前に - "just before"
• 電車が - "train"
• 遅れた - "was delayed"

直ちに行動することが重要です。

Chokkani kōdō suru koto ga jūyō desu

It is important to act immediately.

• 直ちに - immediately
• 行動する - act, take action
• こと - abstract noun
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

直ぐに行動することが大切です。

Sugu ni koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to act quickly.

It is important to act immediately.

• 直ぐに - immediately
• 行動する - Act
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

直面することは恐れる必要はありません。

Chokumen suru koto wa osoreru hitsuyō wa arimasen

You don't have to be afraid to face it.

• 直面する - face
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 恐れる - fear
• 必要 - necessary
• は - Topic particle
• ありません - negation of "being"

直感に従って行動することが大切です。

Chokkan ni shitagatte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act on intuition.

• 直感 (chokkan) - intuition
• に従って (ni shitagatte) - seguindo
• 行動する (koudou suru) - Act
• ことが (koto ga) - is important
• 大切です (taisetsu desu) - to be valuable

直後に雨が降り始めた。

Chokugo ni ame ga furihajimeta

Right after

Immediately after it starts to rain.

• 直後に - Imediatamente após
• 雨が - rain
• 降り始めた - began to fall

真っ直ぐに進みましょう。

Maggoku ni susumimashou

We will move forward with determination.

Let's go straight.

• 真っ直ぐに - adverb that means "in a straight line"
• 進みましょう - verb in the imperative that means "let's move forward"

私は計画を見直す必要があると思います。

Watashi wa keikaku wo minaosu hitsuyou ga aru to omoimasu

I think I need to review my plan.

I think I need to review the plan.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 計画 (keikaku) - Japanese noun meaning "plan"
• を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 見直す (minaosu) - Japanese verb meaning "to review" or "reconsider"
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Japanese adjective meaning "necessary"
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• ある (aru) - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
• と (to) - quotation particle that indicates what was thought or said
• 思います (omoimasu) - Japanese verb that means "to think" or "to believe"

私は率直な意見を言います。

Watashi wa socchoku na iken o iimasu

I will give my sincere opinion.

I give a frank opinion.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 率直 (socchoku) - It means "frankness" or "sincerity" in Japanese.
• な (na) - grammatical particle that modifies the adjective "sincere" to fit the Japanese grammar
• 意見 (iken) - It means "opinion" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "opinion"
• 言います (iimasu) - verb meaning "to say" in Japanese, conjugated in the polite form

素直に謝ります。

Sunao ni ayamarimasu

I sincerely apologize.

I apologize.

• 素直 (sunao) - honest, sincere
• に (ni) - grammatical particle that indicates the target of the action
• 謝ります (ayamarimasu) - apologize, to apologize