diff --git a/ci/release/_install.sh b/ci/release/_install.sh
index 7afd53f1e..7406eca3f 100755
--- a/ci/release/_install.sh
+++ b/ci/release/_install.sh
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ EOF
   if ! manpath | grep -qF "$PREFIX/share/man"; then
     logcat >&2 <<EOF
 Extend your \$MANPATH to view d2's manpages:
-  export MANPATH=$PREFIX/share/man\${MANPATH+:\$MANPATH}
+  export MANPATH=$PREFIX/share/man:\$MANPATH
 Then run:
   man d2
 EOF
diff --git a/install.sh b/install.sh
index fa42051a0..9c005b998 100755
--- a/install.sh
+++ b/install.sh
@@ -628,7 +628,7 @@ EOF
   if ! manpath | grep -qF "$PREFIX/share/man"; then
     logcat >&2 <<EOF
 Extend your \$MANPATH to view d2's manpages:
-  export MANPATH=$PREFIX/share/man\${MANPATH+:\$MANPATH}
+  export MANPATH=$PREFIX/share/man:\$MANPATH
 Then run:
   man d2
 EOF