Don't smoke in the train or you'll be fined.

[Silverobama]

Today I took a train home, and I saw a Chinese sentence. I later translated it as:

Don't smoke in the train or you'll be fined.

Is my translation good?

 

[Skrej]

I can't attest to how accurate a translation it is, but it's natural and grammatical English, yes.

 

[Silverobama]

I can't attest to how accurate a translation it is, but it's natural and grammatical English, yes.

Much appreciated, Skrej.

I wonder what native speakers would say. Would they also say "Don't smoke in the train or you'll be fined" or something else in a train?

 

[Skrej]

Without seeing the original sign or even knowing Chinese, I can't really suggest what might be a closer translation. Your version is fine. It's a bit more conversational, but that's not necessarily wrong.

There are dozens if not hundreds of possible variations. Often such warning signs don't use complete, grammatical sentences. Here are a few possibilities, but this is by no means a comprehensive list.

No smoking on train under penalty of fine.
Smoking on trains (is) prohibited and subject to fines.
Please don't smoke on the train, or risk being fined. (A more conversational tone, similar to your version)
Smoking on trains subject to fines. (It's understood that it's prohibited).

 

[Silverobama]

I appreciate your detailed explanation, Skrej. I've learned a lot from this post.

 

[jutfrank]

no smoking, under penalty of fine - Google Search

 

[SoothingDave]

"On the train" for me.