condoglianze
To offer "condolence" in Italian, use condoglianze, the plural word Italians use to express sympathy when someone has died.
condoglianze is said or written to someone who has lost a loved one. A short and common way to offer it is Sentite condoglianze. (sincere condolences). A fuller standard phrase is Le mie più sentite condoglianze. (my deepest condolences).
Meaning: sympathy when someone has died (noun)
Which one should you use?
Sentite condoglianze. is brief and suits a quick message or a handshake at a funeral. Le porgo le mie più sentite condoglianze. means "I offer you my deepest condolences" and is the more formal choice. With friends you might instead say Sono davvero addolorato/a per quello che hai/voi avete passato, meaning "I am really saddened by what you have gone through."
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is almost always used in the plural, condoglianze, even where English might say "condolence" in the singular.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes use the singular condoglianza. The plural condoglianze is the natural and standard form, so use it instead.
Did you know?
- The word sentite used in Sentite condoglianze literally means 'felt', implying the sympathy is physically felt by the speaker.
- In Italy, it is common to express condoglianze through a physical gesture like a firm handshake or a brief hug, depending on the relationship.
- When preparing a formal ribbon for a funeral wreath, Italians typically omit the verb and write only Sentite condoglianze.
Examples in context
- Mi mancheranno le sue storie divertenti e l'atteggiamento positivo che aveva sempre.I will miss their funny stories and the positive attitude they always had.
- Ricorda che sono qui per te.Remember that I am here for you.
- Se hai bisogno di qualcuno con cui parlare, sai che puoi sempre contare su di me.If you need someone to talk to, you know you can always rely on me.
- Ti tengo stretto/a nel mio cuore e nelle mie preghiere.I hold you close in my heart and prayers.
- Ti porgo le mie condoglianze per la tua perdita.I offer you my condolences for your loss.
Example conversation
Sofia meets Matteo at a funeral service to offer support.
- SofiaMatteo, ti sono molto vicina in questo momento.Matteo, I am very close to you during this time.
- MatteoGrazie mille, Sofia. È un momento difficile.Thank you very much, Sofia. It is a difficult time.
- SofiaTi porgo le mie più sentite condoglianze.I offer you my deepest condolences.
- MatteoTi ringrazio di cuore per la tua gentilezza.I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry condoglianze, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
