一路平安
yī lù píng'ān
In Chinese, "safe travels" is translated as 一路平安 (yī lù píng'ān).
一路平安 is used as a parting wish to someone who is about to begin a journey.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "all the way peace and safe".
Which one should you use?
While 一路平安 focuses on safety, the common alternative 一路顺风 focuses on the journey being smooth and without obstacles.
How do you pronounce it?
yī lù píng'ān
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, it is common to offer specific well-wishes based on the nature of the person's departure rather than just saying "goodbye".
Did you know?
- While 一路顺风 is a common alternative for 'safe travels', some pilots and sailors avoid it because '顺风' means 'tailwind'. In their professions, a constant tailwind can be dangerous or make landing difficult.
- The phrase 一路平安 belongs to a category of 'four-character idioms' called 成语, which are the gold standard for polished and educated speech in Chinese.
- The character 平 in 一路平安 carries a connotation of 'level' or 'even', suggesting a journey that is not only safe but also devoid of any bumps, hills, or unexpected obstacles.
Examples in context
- 祝你一路平安。Zhù nǐ yílù píng'ān.I wish you a safe journey.
- 请一定要一路平安。Qǐng yīdìng yào yílù píng'ān.Please make sure you have a safe trip.
- 到了记得打电话，一路平安。Dào le jìde dǎ diànhuà, yílù píng'ān.Remember to call when you arrive, safe travels.
Example conversation
Wei is seeing Yu Ting off at the train station.
- 伟 Wei车要开了，一路平安。Chē yào kāi le, yílù píng'ān.The train is leaving, safe travels.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你，伟。Xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Thank you, Wei.
- 伟 Wei到了给我发消息。Dào le gěi wǒ fā xiāoxi.Message me when you get there.
- 雨婷 Yuting好的，再见。Hǎo de, zàijiàn.Okay, goodbye.
