Translation guide
The English word 'directly' can express physical directness, immediacy in time, frankness in speech, or a direct route. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Expressing that something is done without an intermediary, directly touching, or directly connected.
The most common and versatile word for 'directly'. Used for direct contact, direct communication, direct connection, etc.
Please speak to him directly.
Emphasizes physical directness, often 'directly' touching or experiencing without anything in between. More concrete than 直接.
Similar to じかに but slightly more formal or literary. Can also mean 'soon' in other contexts, but here means 'directly'.
Expressing that something happens right away, without waiting.
The most common way to say 'immediately' or 'directly' in the sense of 'right away'.
Expressing that someone speaks in a straightforward, blunt manner.
Means 'frankly' or 'directly' when speaking honestly. Common and natural.
Expressing that someone goes straight to a place without stopping or deviating.
直接 (chokusetsu) means 'directly' in the sense of 'without an intermediary', not 'right away'. For 'directly' meaning 'immediately', use すぐに or 直ちに.
Come directly. (immediately)
He looked at me directly.
Physical directness: looking straight at someone without averting gaze.
Please do not touch it directly with your hands.
I sat directly on the ground.
I received it directly from his hand.
Hand it over directly.
I'll be back directly.
He replied directly.
Formal word for 'immediately', often used in official announcements or instructions.
Evacuate directly.
Means 'instantly' or 'on the spot'. Stronger than すぐに.
He agreed directly.
Frankly speaking, I don't think that's good.
Please give me your direct opinion.
Loanword from English 'straight'. Used for speaking directly, often in casual contexts.
To put it directly, I don't like it.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'cutting straight to the point', often used in formal or business settings.
I will come directly to the point.
Means 'straight' or 'directly' when talking about movement or direction.
I went directly home.
Go directly along this road.
Literally 'in a straight line'. Emphasizes a direct, undeviating path.
He headed directly for the exit.
Come directly. (in person, not through someone else)
じかに emphasizes physical directness (touching, seeing with own eyes), while 直接 is broader and can be used for abstract directness (direct negotiations, direct flight). じかに is more concrete.
I'll tell him directly.
Immediately, without delay.