곧장 가다
gotjang gada
The English phrase 'go straight' is translated into Korean as 곧장 가다 (gotjang gada).
This phrase is used to instruct someone to move in a direct line toward a destination without turning. A common synonym for this expression is 똑바로 가다.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 곧장 means 'straight' or 'directly'.
Which one should you use?
While 곧장 가다 is the default form, you can also use 똑바로 가다 as a synonym.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the phrase into a polite command or instruction, you use the form 곧장 가세요. In casual speech, you use the informal form 곧장 가.
How do you pronounce it?
gotjang gada
Did you know?
- If you are told to 똑바로 가 in a metaphorical sense, it could be a reprimand to 'behave properly' rather than a literal instruction for a path.
- The verb 가다 used in this phrase was already recorded in the 'Yongbi eocheon'ga', a poem written in 1447 to celebrate the founding of the Joseon Dynasty.
- In Korean, the word 똑바로 is frequently used as a command to 'sit up straight' or 'look straight ahead' during military or formal discipline.
Examples in context
- 똑바로 가세요.Please go straight.
- 이 방향으로 똑바로 가다 보면 거리 가운데에 교차로가 있어요.If you keep going straight in this direction, you will come across an intersection in the middle of the road.
Example conversation
Dohyun is giving directions to Seoyeon on the street.
- 도현 Do-hyeon약국이 어디에 있어요?yakgugi eodie isseoyo?Where is the pharmacy?
- 서연 Seo-yeon이 길로 곧장 가다 보면 보여요.i gillo gotjang gada bomyeon boyeoyo.You'll see it if you go straight down this road.
- 도현 Do-hyeon멀리 있나요?meolli innayo?Is it far?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 금방 나와요.aniyo, geumbang nawayo.No, it's just ahead.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
