安全運転
anzen unten
The English phrase "safe driving" is translated into Japanese as 安全運転 (anzen unten).
安全運転 is a noun phrase used to describe the act of operating a vehicle in a careful way to avoid accidents. It is commonly used in slogans, public service announcements and as a general concept for road safety.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 安全 (anzen), meaning 'safety' and 運転 (unten), meaning 'driving'.
How do you pronounce it?
anzen unten
When do people say it?
In Japan, drivers often use hazard lights to express gratitude when someone lets them merge or gives way.
Did you know?
- The word 運転 (unten) comes from 運 meaning 'carry' and 転 meaning 'roll', literally describing the movement of a wheel.
- In many Japanese companies, driving safety is treated as a formal part of corporate discipline, where employees participate in ritualistic 'safety driving' meetings to pledge their commitment to accident-free operation.
- In the context of racing simulators and video games, 安全運転 is sometimes used as a joke to tell a player they are driving too slowly to be competitive.
Examples in context
- 安全運転を心がけてください。Anzen unten o kokoro-gakete kudasai.Please keep safe driving in mind.
- 安全運転はとても大切です。Anzen unten wa totemo taisetsu desu.Safe driving is very important.
- 彼はいつも安全運転をしています。Kare wa itsumo anzen unten o shite imasu.He always practices safe driving.
Example conversation
Hana is seeing Kenta off as he prepares to drive home.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、気をつけて帰ってね。Kenta-kun, ki o tsukete kaette ne.Kenta, please get home safely.
- 健太 Kentaうん、安全運転で帰るよ。Un, anzen unten de kaeru yo.Yeah, I'll drive safely.
- 陽葵 Himari急がなくていいからね。Isoganakute ii kara ne.You don't have to rush.
- 健太 Kentaわかってるよ。ありがとう。Wakatteru yo. Arigatou.I know. Thanks.
