一直
continuously; always
yìzhí
What does 一直 mean?
一直 (yìzhí) is a high-frequency adverb with two related senses. The main sense is temporal: 'continuously, all along, the whole time' — describing an action or state that has gone on without break (我一直在等你 'I've been waiting for you the whole time'). The second sense is directional: 'straight, in a straight line' — used when giving directions (一直走 'go straight'). Two things English speakers often miss.
First, the temporal 一直 covers both 'all along (until now)' and 'continuously (still going)', and is often used with 都 for emphasis: 我一直都喜欢中文. Second, when giving directions, 一直 is the natural everyday word for 'straight ahead' — taxi drivers, friends giving directions, and maps all use it. Note the tone: 一 stays yì (fourth tone) because 直 is also a non-fourth tone (second).
Character breakdown
one; single
straight; direct
Memory hook: 一 (one) + 直 (straight) = one straight line — through time, or through space.
Example sentences
我一直在等你。
Wǒ yìzhí zài děng nǐ.
I've been waiting for you the whole time.
spoken
一直走，然后右转。
Yìzhí zǒu, ránhòu yòu zhuǎn.
Go straight, then turn right.
spoken
他一直都很努力。
Tā yìzhí dōu hěn nǔlì.
He's always worked hard.
neutral
我一直想去中国。
Wǒ yìzhí xiǎng qù Zhōngguó.
I've always wanted to go to China.
neutral
从早上一直到晚上，他都在工作。
Cóng zǎoshang yìzhí dào wǎnshang, tā dōu zài gōngzuò.
From morning all the way until night, he was working.
neutral
Common phrases with 一直
Synonyms
总是 means 'always' as a habitual pattern ('he always forgets'). 一直 emphasises uninterrupted duration ('all along, the whole time'). 他总是迟到 (always late, as a habit) vs 他一直在等 (has been waiting the whole time).
一向 also means 'all along, consistently' but refers more to character or long-standing habit ('I've always been quiet'). 一直 is broader and covers both short and long durations.