平平安安，高高兴兴

bodawei

December 02, 2009, 10:46 AM posted in General Discussion

Sign at the gate to a new construction site near where I live..

Safety first when you've gone, happy happy clocking on

Safety first when you've gone

Happy happy clocking on.

bodawei

December 02, 2009, 12:11 PM

On second thoughts I think it might read from right to left (certainly works better in English), so my translation would be:

Happy happy clocking on

Safety first when you've gone

对不对？

My interpretation would be something like for the first "(wish you to) be careful when you go home" and "(you will be) happy when you return to work" for the next one and in that order. Can be totally wrong here, just gave it a shot :-)

I love to look at these things when I am out and about...

bodawei

December 02, 2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks Chanelle. Yes, that was my first impression, because it is a modern sign. But is a sign that you read when you arrive, not when you leave. So, I wondered if it ran the other way. To my Western mind, also, the message makes more sense right to left.

I wonder if it is a traditional and/or common saying? The vertical arrangement of characters suggested to me that it is a traditional saying - I would be happy if any poddies can offer a view on this.

orangina

December 02, 2009, 01:16 PM

I don't think the vertical arrangement necessarily means it is a traditional saying. I see a lot of road signs written this way, as is the title on my book I just bought about a family of dinosaurs even though the text is hoizontal.

I would translate it "cheerfully work, safely return home." Not so much "becareful on you way out" as stay safe all day so you can return to your family in the same cheerful mood you began work with."

changye

December 02, 2009, 01:54 PM

Here is an answer.

http://www.nipic.com/show/3/73/b3bc9c374ad50614.html

http://www.xnyi.com/pic/by/W2/W2-04.jpg

chanelle77

December 02, 2009, 02:02 PM

Ah, I see, somehow I thought it was a contruction sign like they have on the blue white fences of road construction, I should have read the post more careful.

The first line reminded me of the 一路平安，(for instance at the toll gate) and if I am not mistaken I saw the first line on the LED info boards on the highway, but this doesn't make much sense now anymore since it is at the entrance of a site...