直に

じかに

immediately, readily, directly

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"直に" (じかに) is an adverb used to express something done directly, immediately, or without any intermediary. It often implies a sense of immediacy or direct contact.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used when talking about direct communication (e.g., asking someone directly), immediate action (doing something right away), or direct arrival/approach.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 直に質問する: to ask directly
  • 直に解決する: to solve immediately
  • 直に来る: to come directly or soon

These phrases highlight the immediacy or directness implied by "直に".

Register and Nuance

"直に" is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. It is more common in spoken and written Japanese than the more formal "直接" (ちょくせつ), though both can sometimes be interchangeable.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "直に" with "直接". While both mean "directly," "直に" often emphasizes immediacy or direct contact in a more colloquial way, whereas "直接" is more formal and used in written or formal speech. Remember to use "直に" when you want to express immediacy or directness in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

せんせいにじかにしつもんしたほうがはやいです。

It's faster to ask the teacher directly.

このもんだいはじかにかいけつしなければなりません。

This problem must be solved immediately.

かれはじかにくるといっていました。

He said he would come directly (soon).