直接 (zhíjiē)

直接 means direct or straightforward, describing something done without any intermediary step or in a frank, unambiguous manner.

Meanings

[adjective] direct; without intermediary; straightforward
[adverb] directly; straight; without going through an intermediate step

Example Sentences

有问题请直接告诉我。 Yǒu wèntí qǐng zhíjiē gàosù wǒ. If you have a problem, please tell me directly.

这件事与你有直接关系。 Zhè jiàn shì yǔ nǐ yǒu zhíjiē guānxi. This matter is directly related to you.

你可以直接联系负责人。 Nǐ kěyǐ zhíjiē liánxi fùzérén. You can contact the person in charge directly.

他说话很直接，从不拐弯抹角。 Tā shuōhuà hěn zhíjiē, cóng bù guǎiwān mòjiǎo. He speaks very directly and never beats around the bush.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
直接联系	to contact directly
直接影响	direct influence
直接原因	direct cause
直接了当	straightforward; to the point

Usage Notes

直接 can modify both verbs (直接说 means "say it directly") and nouns (直接原因 means "direct cause"). As an adverb it often implies skipping intermediate steps. The four-character phrase 直截了当 (zhíjié liǎodàng) means to be completely straightforward and is a common idiom.

Memory Hook

直 means "straight" and 接 means "to connect/reach": 直接 is connecting straight, going from A to B without any detour.