Chinese phrases
How to say have a safe trip in Chinese
Have a safe trip in Chinese is 一路平安 (yí lù píng ān), literally “peace all the way.” Friends often add 到了说一声 (dào le shuō yì shēng), “let me know when you get there.”
一路平安
have a safe trip
一 changes tone before the fourth tone 路: yí lù, not yī lù.
Ways to say have a safe trip
一路平安
Everydayhave a safe trip
Before any trip: a flight, a long drive, the train home for the holidays. Right with anyone.
一路顺风
Everydayhave a good trip (literally “a tailwind all the way”)
Common for train and road trips, and in cards. Some people avoid it before a flight (see below).
路上小心
With friendsbe careful on the way
As someone leaves for the station or the airport, or drives off.
到了说一声
With friendslet me know when you get there
Between friends and family it is almost part of the goodbye. The traveller sends a short message on arrival.
注意安全
Everydaystay safe
Advice more than a wish: to someone who drives a long way or travels alone. Parents say it every time.
旅途愉快
Writtenhave a pleasant journey
For a holiday trip, in messages and cards. Airline and hotel staff say 祝您旅途愉快.
How to answer
谢谢
thank you
Always right.
放心吧
don’t worry
To family and friends who worry about you.
到了跟你说
I’ll tell you when I get there
The answer to 到了说一声. Then send the message.
Common mistakes
Saying 一路走好 to a traveller
Today 一路走好 is mostly said to someone who has died. For a trip, say 一路平安.
一路顺风 before a flight
A plane takes off into the wind, not with it, so some people avoid 一路顺风 for a flight. Many people still say it. If you are not sure, say 一路平安.
Wishing 安全 instead of 平安
祝你安全 sounds odd. 安全 is for advice, as in 注意安全. The wish for a trip uses 平安: 一路平安, or 祝你旅途平安.
After dinner at a friend’s place
我得走了，明天一早的火车。
Leon: I have to go. My train is early tomorrow.
那祝你一路平安！到了说一声。
Liangliang: Then have a safe trip! Let me know when you get there.
好，放心吧。
Leon: OK, don’t worry.
路上小心！
Liangliang: Careful on the way!
