お悔やみ
okuyami
Japanese 'condolence' is most commonly expressed as お悔やみ (okuyami). Wiktionary also lists 哀悼 (aitō) and 弔意 (chōi).
Meaning: sympathy when someone has died (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| お悔やみ | okuyami | |
| 哀悼 | aitō | [a̠ito̞ː] (narrow) |
| 弔意 | chōi | [t͡ɕo̞ːi] (narrow) |
These terms are used to express sympathy or sorrow when someone has died. While お悔やみ is the most versatile and common term for daily conversation and formal letters, other terms like 哀悼 and 弔意 are used in more specific, heavy or official contexts.
Which one should you use?
お悔やみ is the most common and versatile way to express condolences in daily conversation and formal letters. In contrast, 哀悼 is a much more formal and heavy term, typically reserved for official statements, news reports or formal ceremonies to express deep mourning. 弔意 specifically refers to the 'feeling' or 'intent' of sympathy and is frequently used in the phrase 弔意を表す (chōi o hyōsu), which means 'to express condolences'.
How do you pronounce it?
okuyami
Did you know?
- The term お悔やみ contains the character 悔, which carries a nuance of 'regret'. In this context, it implies the regret of not being able to prevent the loss.
- When offering condolences in person, it is common to avoid certain gestures like vigorous nodding, as excessive movement can be seen as disrespectful during a period of mourning.
- In very formal settings, the phrase for condolences often avoids direct mention of the deceased person's name to show respect, often using titles or euphemisms instead.
Examples in context
- ご愁傷さまです。お父様のご冥福をお祈り申し上げます。I offer my deepest sympathy. I pray for the soul of your father.
- ご愁傷さま。お父さんのこと、本当に悲しいね。気持ち分かるよ。I'm sorry for your loss. It's truly sad about your father. I understand how you feel.
- お悔やみのメッセージを送りました。okuyami no messeji o okurimashita.I sent a message of condolence.
- 心からお悔やみ申し上げます。kokoro kara okuyami moushiagemasu.I offer my sincere condolences.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing how to support a mutual friend.
- 陽太 Yotaお悔やみの言葉を伝えておいてくれる？okuyami no kotoba o tsutaete oite kureru?Could you please pass on my condolences?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、陽太さん。もちろんですよ。hai, Yota-san. mochiron desu yo.Yes, Yota. Of course.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。美咲さんに頼んでよかった。arigatou. Misaki-san ni tanonde yokatta.Thank you. I'm glad I asked you, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiいえ、私も心を痛めています。ie, watashi mo kokoro o itamete imasu.No problem, I feel deeply for them too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condolence” translations and entries 哀悼, 弔意, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
