一路顺风
yī lù shùn fēng
The English phrase "have a safe flight" is translated into Chinese as 一路顺风 (yī lù shùn fēng).
一路顺风 is used to wish someone a safe and pleasant journey when they are departing by plane. You can also use 保重 (bǎo zhòng), which means "take care of yourself", to express a similar sentiment of wishing someone well on their trip.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 一路顺风 literally translates to "one way smooth wind", meaning "may the wind be at your back throughout your journey".
Which one should you use?
While 一路顺风 focuses on the journey being smooth (smooth wind), the expression 一路平安 (yī lù píng ān) focuses more specifically on safety and the absence of accidents.
Is it said differently in some regions?
一路顺风 is particularly popular in Mainland China.
How do you pronounce it?
yī lù shùn fēng
When do people say it?
The phrase 一路顺风 is rooted in the historical context of travel being dependent on favorable wind conditions for sailing ships.
Did you know?
- Some superstitious travelers avoid saying 一路顺风 because it mentions 'wind'. Since planes rely on aerodynamics and stability, they prefer 一路平安 to avoid suggesting unpredictable wind conditions.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of 平安 (píng ān) in the alternative phrase 一路平安 is often represented by a 'ping an knot'. These decorative knots are frequently given as gifts to travelers to physically symbolize a safe journey.
- While 一路顺风 is common for flights, it is often avoided for people departing by boat. Because the phrase wishes for a 'smooth wind', it might be seen as wishing for a wind that pushes the ship too fast or off course.
Examples in context
- 祝你一路顺风。Zhù nǐ yī lù shùn fēng.I wish you a safe flight.
- 到了给我发消息，一路顺风。Dào le gěi wǒ fā xiāoxi, yī lù shùn fēng.Message me when you arrive, have a safe flight.
- 别忘了带护照，一路顺风！Bié wàng le dài hùzhào, yī lù shùn fēng!Don't forget your passport, have a safe flight!
Example conversation
At the airport, a woman sees a man off for his trip.
- 雨婷 Yuting快出发吧，一路顺风。Kuài chūfā ba, yī lù shùn fēng.It's time to go, have a safe flight.
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢你，雨婷。Xièxie nǐ, Yǔtíng.Thank you, Yuting.
- 雨婷 Yuting到了以后记得打电话。Dào le yǐhòu jìde dǎ diànhuà.Remember to call me after you arrive.
- 浩然 Haoran没问题，再见。Méi wèntí, zàijiàn.No problem, goodbye.
