直線(ちょくせん)

ちょくせん
noun
straight line
1. straight line
A line that extends in both directions without curving.
定規(じょうぎ)で直線(ちょくせん)を引(ひ)く。
Draw a straight line with a ruler.
二(ふた)つの点(てん)を結(むす)ぶ直線(ちょくせん)は一(ひと)つしかない。
There is only one straight line connecting two points.
この道(みち)は直線(ちょくせん)で10キロ続(つづ)く。
This road continues straight for 10 kilometers.

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).

general
Added 2026.1.16 16:36 · Revised 2026.2.15 23:23
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