一直
yīzhí · HSK 2
all the way
➡️ 一 (one) + 直 (straight) = one straight line, i.e. continuously
一 means 'one' and 直 means 'straight' or 'direct'. Together they convey going in one straight direction without deviation — hence 'continuously', 'all the way', or 'straight through'.
一 — single horizontal stroke
一 is one of the simplest pictographs in Chinese, depicting a single horizontal line to represent the number one. It has retained essentially the same form since oracle bone script over 3,000 years ago. By extension it also means 'first,' 'whole,' or 'same.'
直 — 十 ten + 目 eye + 乚 hidden line
Originally depicted an eye (目) looking straight along a vertical line, suggesting a direct, unswerving gaze. The form combines 目 'eye' with strokes indicating straightness. From this came the meanings 'straight,' 'upright,' and by extension 'honest' or 'direct.'