諺語 · a single proverb
一路平安
What does 一路平安 (yī lù píng ān) mean?
一路平安 (yī lù píng ān) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "a peaceful journey the whole way." In use it means: Wishing someone safe travels; may the road be smooth and free of trouble from start to finish. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Earth note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Horse.
Literally: "a peaceful journey the whole way."
The reading
Four characters that compress every worry a loved one will never say out loud. Be safe. Come back. Let the road be kind to you. The person who says this is handing you their concern in the smallest possible package, hoping the universe will honor the receipt.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common well-wishing phrase; universal across Chinese culture
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Home, Family & Roots, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Horse, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 一路平安 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 一路平安 (yī lù píng ān) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Common well-wishing phrase; universal across Chinese culture. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 一路平安?
In Mandarin it is yī lù píng ān. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 一路平安 aloud in Mandarin.