adverb HSK 3
always · all along · continuously · straight (in direction)
Meaning
一直 primarily means 'continuously' or 'all along' when describing actions or states that persist over time without interruption. It can also mean 'straight ahead' when giving directions. The word emphasizes the unbroken nature of an action or the directness of movement.
Usage
Native speakers use 一直 to emphasize that something has been happening from a point in the past until now, or will continue into the future. It often appears before verbs to show continuous action. When used for directions, it means to go straight without turning.
Examples
- 01我一直在等你。.I've been waiting for you the whole time.
- 02一直走，到红绿灯再左转。, .Go straight, then turn left at the traffic light.
Characters
Common collocations
- 一直以来all along, up until now
- 一直在have been (doing)
- 一直走go straight
- 一直到all the way until
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 一 (one) and 直 (straight) creates the sense of 'in one straight line' which extends metaphorically to mean continuous action without deviation or interruption.