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.
彼に直接話してください。
Please speak to him directly.
直接手で触らないでください。
Please do not touch it directly with your hands.
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'.
すぐに戻ります。
I'll be back directly.
彼はすぐに返事をくれた。
He replied directly.
Formal word for 'immediately', often used in official announcements or instructions.
Means 'instantly' or 'on the spot'. Stronger than すぐに.
彼は即座に承諾した。
He agreed directly.
Expressing that someone speaks in a straightforward, blunt manner.
Means 'frankly' or 'directly' when speaking honestly. Common and natural.
率直に言って、それは良くないと思う。
Frankly speaking, I don't think that's good.
率直な意見を聞かせてください。
Please give me your direct opinion.
Loanword from English 'straight'. Used for speaking directly, often in casual contexts.
ストレートに言うと、嫌いです。
To put it directly, I don't like it.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'cutting straight to the point', often used in formal or business settings.
単刀直入に申し上げます。
I will come directly to the point.
Expressing that someone goes straight to a place without stopping or deviating.
Means 'straight' or 'directly' when talking about movement or direction.
家にまっすぐ帰った。
I went directly home.
この道をまっすぐ行ってください。
Go directly along this road.
Literally 'in a straight line'. Emphasizes a direct, undeviating path.
彼は出口に一直線に向かった。
He headed directly for the exit.
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.
すぐに来てください。
Come directly. (immediately)
直接来てください。
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.
彼は私をじかに見た。
He looked at me directly.
Physical directness: looking straight at someone without averting gaze.
I sat directly on the ground.
彼の手からじかに受け取った。
I received it directly from his hand.
Hand it over directly.
直ちに避難してください。
Evacuate directly.