直奔
zhí bèn · HSK 7
to go straight to
🏃➡️ 直 straight + 奔 to run/rush = run straight at it, make a beeline
直 means straight or direct; 奔 means to run fast or rush. Stack them and you get rushing straight toward one target with no detours. Sound cue: bèn rhymes with the sprinter who burns straight to the finish.
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.'
奔 — 大 (person) over 卉 (originally three 止 'feet')
Originally a pictograph of a person (大) running with multiple feet (three 止) shown below to convey rapid motion. Over time the feet were simplified into the form 卉. The character means to run fast, rush, or hurry.