直线
zhí xiàn · HSK 5
straight line
📈 直 (straight) + 线 (line/thread) = straight line
直 means straight or upright; 线 is line or thread (糸 silk radical + 戋 phonetic). Together: a straight line. Figuratively used for sharp moves — prices, graphs, trends going up or down without curves.
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.'
线 — silk radical 纟 + 戋 (jiān, phonetic)
线 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The silk radical 纟 signals the meaning 'thread' or 'string,' while 戋 hints at the sound. Originally referring to silk thread, its meaning broadened to any thin line, wire, or route. The traditional form is 線.