道中ご無事で
dōchū gobushi de
The English phrase "safe travels" is translated into Japanese as 道中ご無事で (dōchū gobushi de).
This phrase is used specifically when someone is embarking on a journey or a trip, rather than just a general 'goodbye'.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
Which one should you use?
While 道中ご無事で is a way to wish someone safety, the informal phrase Yoi ryokō o means "have a good trip."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
道中ご無事で is a polite and somewhat formal way to wish someone safety, making it suitable for people you are not extremely close with or in semi-formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ends with the particle で, which functions as a shortened, polite way of saying "be [in a state of]…".
How do you pronounce it?
dōchū gobushi de
Did you know?
- While 道中ご無事で wishes for safety, Japanese culture often avoids using the word 'safe' (安全) in this context because it can sound like a warning that the trip is actually dangerous.
- In Japanese literature, the safety wished for in 道中ご無事で is often traditionally linked to the protection of spirits or deities who guard mountain passes and roads.
- While 道中ご無事で is a polite wish for safety, using it for someone going on a short, mundane commute might feel overly dramatic or even slightly ominous.
Examples in context
- 道中ご無事で。Dōchū gobuji de.Safe travels.
- 道中ご無事でありますように。Dōchū gobuji de arimasu yō ni.May you have a safe journey.
- 道中ご無事で、楽しんできてください。Dōchū gobuji de, tanoshinde kite kudasai.Safe travels, and please have a good time.
Example conversation
Ren is seeing Misaki off at the train station.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さん、気をつけてね。Misaki-san, ki o tsukete ne.Misaki, take care.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう。じゃあ、行くね。arigatou. jaa, iku ne.Thank you. Well, I'm off now.
- 蓮 Ren道中ご無事で！douchuu gobu-ji de!Safe travels!
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、蓮君！arigatou, Ren-kun!Thanks, Ren!
