一路平安
yīlù píng'ān
The Chinese phrase for "safe travel" is 一路平安 (yīlù píng'ān).
一路平安 is used as a parting wish when someone is departing on a trip or journey to wish that they arrive at their destination without any accidents or problems.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "the whole journey [is] peace and safety".
Which one should you use?
While 一路平安 focuses on safety, another common alternative is 一路顺风 (yīlù shùnfēng), which wishes someone a smooth journey and literally means "may the wind be at your back".
How does it change in a sentence?
As a complete set expression, 一路平安 does not need to be conjugated or modified with particles to function as a wish.
How do you pronounce it?
yīlù píng'ān
Did you know?
- While 一路平安 is a classic wish, using 一路顺风 (yīlù shùnfēng) can be seen as problematic by some, as it literally wishes for wind, which might be dangerous for air travelers.
- The character 安 (ān) in 一路平安 means 'stability' and is the same character found in the name of the 'An Lushan Rebellion', one of the deadliest conflicts in history.
- While used for travel, 一路平安 is often written on red envelopes or decorative scrolls during the Lunar New Year to wish for general safety in all life endeavors.
Examples in context
- 到了记得发信息，一路平安。Dàole jìde fā xìnxī, yílù píng'ān.Remember to text me when you arrive, safe travels.
Example conversation
Wei is seeing Jia Yi off at the airport.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，到了记得给我打电话。Jiāyí, dàole jìde gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.Jia Yi, remember to call me when you arrive.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好的，我会的。Hǎo de, wǒ huì de.Okay, I will.
- 伟 Wei祝你一路平安。Zhù nǐ yílù píng'ān.I wish you a safe journey.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你，伟。Xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Thank you, Wei.
