直線(ちょくせん)

直線(ちょくせん) means a straight line, used in both mathematical and everyday contexts. The kanji combine 直(ちょく) (straight) + 線(せん) (line).

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

• 直線(ちょくせん)を引(ひ)く: to draw a straight line
• 直線(ちょくせん)距離(きょり): straight-line distance (as the crow flies)
• 直線(ちょくせん)コース: straight course/stretch
• 直線(ちょくせん)道路(どうろ): straight road

CONTRAST:

• 直線(ちょくせん): straight line
• 曲線(きょくせん): curved line
• 線分(せんぶん): line segment (finite length)
• 半直線(はんちょくせん): ray (one endpoint)

NOTE:
Also used figuratively: ゴールまで直線(ちょくせん) (a straight shot to the goal / the home stretch).