まっすぐ
massugu
The English word "straight" is translated into Japanese as まっすぐ (massugu).
まっすぐ is used to describe something that is not crooked or bent.
Meaning: not crooked or bent (adj)
Which one should you use?
While まっすぐ refers to physical straightness or direction, the katakana loanword ストレート is used for specific contexts like poker hands or 'straight' hair. The word can be written with the kanji 真っ直ぐ.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a na-adjective to modify a noun (e.g., 'a straight line'), it takes the form まっすぐな.
How do you pronounce it?
massugu
Did you know?
- The kanji 真っ直ぐ contains the character 直, which also forms the root of the word for 'immediately' or 'right away' (直ちに), linking straightness to efficiency.
- In Japanese baseball terminology, a 'fastball' is called a ストレート, borrowing from the English word for a straight pitch.
- The expression まっすぐな心 ('a straight heart') is a common poetic way to describe a child's purity and innocence.
Examples in context
- まっすぐ行け。Go straight on.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of まっすぐ in a command.Tatoeba #195365 by Take32, translation #32539 by Dejo
- 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 in a polite request.Tatoeba #195363 by bunbuku, translation #32535 by CK
- この道をまっすぐ行きなさい。Go straight along this street.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of まっすぐ when giving directions.Tatoeba #220294 by small_snow, translation #57614 by CK
- 彼はいつも真っ直ぐな意見を持っています。He always holds honest opinions.
- 彼女の言葉は真直ぐだ。Her words are direct and sincere.
- 彼はストレートの役を持っています。He has a straight hand.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are looking at a piece of wood in a workshop.
- 結衣 Yuiこの棒はまっすぐですね。Kono bou wa massugu desu ne.This rod is straight, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、とてもまっすぐです。Hai, totemo massugu desu.Yes, it is very straight.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんは、これをまっすぐ切れますか？Hiroto-san wa, kore o massugu kiremasu ka?Hiroto, can you cut this straight?
- 大翔 Hirotoやってみます。Yattemimasu.I will try.
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.
