直進（ちょくしん、chokushin）
- straight ahead

The Japanese word 直進 means "going straight," "straight ahead," or "proceeding in a straight line." It refers to moving forward without turning or changing direction. It can describe physical movement, like driving or walking, or it can be used more figuratively to describe a direct approach or focus. The core concept is maintaining a constant, unchanging course.

⚫︎この道は直進です。 Translation: This road goes straight. ⚫︎車は交差点を直進しました。 Translation: The car went straight through the intersection. ⚫︎彼女は目標に向かって直進した。 Translation: She went straight towards her goal.

⚫︎直進 is commonly used in contexts involving directions, such as road signs and navigation. ⚫︎It's also useful when describing actions or plans that don't involve deviation or changes in the course. ⚫︎It’s a versatile word used in various situations. It is applicable for both literal and figurative meanings.

⚫︎The standard way to write 直進 is with the kanji 直 (choku - straight, direct) and 進 (shin - advance, proceed), written together as 直進. ⚫︎The reading is ちょくしん in hiragana. ⚫︎There are no variations in okurigana. ⚫︎The katakana version is rarely used.

⚫︎まっすぐ (massugu) - straight; directly ⚫︎前進 (zenshin) - forward movement, advance ⚫︎進む (susumu) - to proceed, to advance

⚫︎右折 (usetsu) - right turn ⚫︎左折 (sasetsu) - left turn ⚫︎後退 (kotai) - to retreat; to go backward ⚫︎曲がる (magaru) - to turn

この標識は直進禁止です。 ・Translation: This sign means no going straight. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 直進 in the context of traffic regulations, indicating that a straight path is not allowed.

道案内は直進を指示した。 ・Translation: The directions indicated to go straight. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 直進 to explain instructions that someone gives.

The word 直進 is formed from two kanji: 直 (choku), meaning "straight" or "direct," and 進 (shin), meaning "to advance" or "to proceed." The combination of these characters creates the meaning of "proceeding straight" or "going straight ahead."