まっすぐ
massugu
The Japanese phrase for "straight ahead" is まっすぐ (massugu).
まっすぐ is used to indicate moving or looking directly ahead without any deviation. In the context of giving or receiving directions, it specifically implies moving forward without turning.
Meaning: directly ahead, without deviation (adv)
Which one should you use?
While まっすぐ can refer to the physical shape of an object being straight, when used for directions, it means to proceed forward without turning. You may also see the phrase written with kanji as 真っ直ぐ, but writing it in hiragana as まっすぐ is very common in daily life.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word can change depending on how it functions in a sentence. Adding the particle に to create まっすぐに turns it into an adverb that describes the manner of an action, such as moving or looking. If you want to use it as an adjective to modify a noun directly, such as in the phrase "a straight road", use the form まっすぐな.
How do you pronounce it?
massugu
Did you know?
- When using まっすぐ to describe a person's personality, it implies they are 'honest' or 'upright' rather than just physically straight.
- When giving directions, Japanese speakers often combine まっすぐ with a gesture of the hand moving forward in a slicing motion. This physical cue reinforces the instruction to proceed without turning.
- While まっすぐ means straight, Japanese has a different word ちょくせつ for 'direct' when talking about communication or a 'direct' flight. You cannot use まっすぐ to describe a direct email or a direct flight.
Examples in context
- まっすぐ前を見てください。Look straight ahead.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of まっすぐ when instructing someone to look forward.Tatoeba #195363 by bunbuku, translation #32535 by CK
- この道をまっすぐ行ってください。Go straight ahead on this street.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of まっすぐ when giving directions on a street.Tatoeba #220292 by tommy_san, translation #57612 by papabear
- その道をまっすぐ行ってください。Please go straight on that street.
- 駅からまっすぐに進んでください。Please proceed straight from the station.
- 仙台駅から真っすぐに行ってください。Please proceed straight from Sendai Station.
- 駅までまっすぐ歩いてください。Eki made massugu aruite kudasai.Please walk straight to the station.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori is giving Ren directions to a station.
- 陽葵 Himariここをまっすぐ行けば駅です。koko o massugu ikeba eki desu.If you go straight ahead from here, it's the station.
- 蓮 Ren分かりました。ありがとうございます。wakarimashita. arigatou gozaimasu.I understand. Thank you very much.
- 陽葵 Himariあそこに信号が見えますか？asoko ni shingou ga miemasu ka?Can you see the traffic light over there?
- 蓮 Renはい、見えます。hai, miemasu.Yes, I see it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry まっすぐ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
