condoléance
/kɔ̃.dɔ.le.ɑ̃s/
In French, the word for condolence is condoléance.
The term refers to the expression of sympathy when someone has died. The standard way to express sympathy is to use the verb présenter (to present or offer) with the plural form condoléances.
Meaning: sympathy when someone has died (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the word for condolences is almost always used in the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.dɔ.le.ɑ̃s/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word condoléance shares a root with the English word 'complaint' via the related term doléance, which refers to a grievance or a grievance-filled expression.
- While condoléances is the standard term, French speakers often use the phrase Je suis de tout cœur avec vous to express a deeper emotional connection than a formal offering of sympathy.
- In high-register French funeral etiquette, the expression of condoléances is often accompanied by a specific ritual of silence or a very structured, formal phrase to avoid appearing too casual.
Examples in context
- Quand sa femme est morte, il a reçu des dizaines de cartes de condoléances.When his wife died, he received dozens of condolence cards.This sentence shows how someone might receive many cards of condoléance after a death.Tatoeba #8954170 by Aiji, translation #4117230 by AlanF_US
- Veuillez accepter mes sincères condoléances.Please accept my sincere condolences.
- Je vous adresse mes condoléances les plus sincères.I offer you my most sincere condolences.
- Mes pensées sont avec vous en ces moments difficiles.My thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
- Toutes mes pensées vont vers toi et ta famille.All my thoughts are with you and your family.
- Toutes mes sympathiesMy sympathies
- Je vous présente mes sincères condoléances.I offer you my sincere condolences.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are at a funeral service.
- HugoLéa, je tiens à vous présenter ma condoléance.Léa, I want to offer you my condolence.
- LéaC'est très gentil de votre part, Hugo.That is very kind of you, Hugo.
- HugoJe suis vraiment désolé pour votre perte.I am truly sorry for your loss.
- LéaMerci pour votre soutien aujourd'hui.Thank you for your support today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry condoléance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries condoléance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
