[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Forms-and-Shapes # 直 zhí true, real; straight, direct ## Components [[目 (mù)]] [[十 shí]] [[一 (yī)]] ## Meaning Today, the character 直 (zhí) primarily signifies "straight" or "direct" in modern Chinese usage. It can still denote honesty or straightforwardness in a person's character or behavior. Additionally, 直 is often used in various contexts to convey the idea of something being uninterrupted, continuous, or immediate. For example, 直播 (zhíbō) means "live broadcast," emphasizing the direct transmission of content without delay. ## History The character 直 (zhí) is a compound ideogram. In oracle bone script, the lower part resembles a horizontal eye, while the upper part consists of a vertical line, indicating a straight line of sight. Its original meaning is "to look straight ahead." It has extended meanings of "not curved," contrasting with "curved." From the concept of not being curved, it further extends to meanings like honesty and fairness. Phrases like "speaking one's mind" and "righteous indignation" are examples. It can also indicate continuity without interruption, such as "direct dialing" or "direct-controlled municipality." In its ancient form, 直 depicts a straight line representing a direct line of sight emanating from an eye. In bronze script, an additional zigzag line was added on the left side. Additionally, in ancient times, 直 was often used interchangeably with 值 (zhí), indicating the value of something. Today, 直 is commonly used to describe someone who is straightforward and candid, such as "He speaks bluntly, saying exactly what he means without beating around the bush." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[直 zhí - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[直 zhí - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[直 zhí - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[直 zhí - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[直 zhí - reg.svg]]