一直行
jat1 zik6 haang4
The English phrase "go straight" is translated into Cantonese as 一直行 (jat1 zik6 haang4).
一直行 is used when giving directions to tell someone to continue moving forward without turning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 一直 (jat1 zik6), meaning "straight/continuously" and 行 (haang4), meaning "to walk/go".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding 到底 (dou3 dai2) to the end of the phrase emphasizes going straight until the very end of a path or street, as in 一直行到底.
How do you pronounce it?
jat1 zik6 haang4
Did you know?
- Adding the particle 囉 (lo1) to the end of 一直行 transforms the phrase from a helpful direction into an impatient command.
- The character 直 (zik6) used in 'straight' is the same character used to describe someone who is 'honest' or 'upright' in character.
- If you are following a winding road that does not branch, a local will still tell you to 一直行 to mean 'keep going along this path'.
Examples in context
- 你一直行就係喇。nei5 jat1 zik6 haang4 zau6 hai6 laa3.Just go straight and you'll be there.
- 佢一直行咗好耐。keoi5 jat1 zik6 haang4 zo2 hou2 noi6.He has been walking straight for a long time.
Example conversation
Two people are looking for a shop on the street.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit美玲，間舖喺邊度？mei5 ling4, gaan1 pou3 hai2 bin1 dou6?Meiling, where is the shop?
- 美玲 Mei Ling喺前面，你一直行就見到。hai2 zin6 min6, nei5 jat1 zik6 hang4 zau6 gin3 dou3.It's ahead, just go straight and you'll see it.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit要行好耐嗎？jiu3 hang4 hou2 noi6 maa3?Does it take a long time to walk?
- 美玲 Mei Ling唔係，好快就到。m4 hai6, hou2 faai3 zau6 dou3.No, it's very close.
