condolencia
/kondoˈlenθja/feminine
The English word "condolence" can be translated into Spanish as condolencia, but pésame is often the more common choice. Wiktionary also lists péname.
Meaning: sympathy when someone has died (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| condolencia | /kondoˈlenθja/ /kondoˈlensja/ |
feminine |
| pésame | /ˈpesame/ | masculine |
| péname | /pename/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
These terms are used to express sympathy when someone has died. While condolencia is a direct cognate of the English word, pésame is much more common in everyday spoken Spanish when expressing sympathy.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pésame is a compound consisting of pesa (weighs) and me (me), which literally conveys the weight of sorrow or the sense of "I'm sorry / my sorrow weighs on me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pésame is a masculine noun and is almost always used with a definite article or a possessive adjective. To express the act of offering condolences, use the verb dar with pésame, as in dar el pésame.
How do you pronounce it?
/kondoˈlenθja/
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'condolences' which is almost always plural, the Spanish pésame is typically used in the singular form.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, simply saying mi más sentido pésame is often accompanied by a physical gesture, such as a firm handshake or a brief hug, to show sincerity.
- Spanish has a reflexive verb condolerse which describes the internal process of feeling grief, whereas condolencia is the external expression of that grief.
Examples in context
- Querida Sra. Gómez, le expreso mi más sentido pésame por la pérdida de su esposo. Espero que encuentre consuelo en estos difíciles momentos. Atentamente, Luis Torres.Dear Mrs. Gómez, I express my most sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. I hope you find comfort in these difficult moments. Sincerely, Luis Torres.
- Juan, lo siento mucho por la pérdida de tu abuelo. Si necesitas algo, cuenta conmigo.Juan, I am very sorry for the loss of your grandfather. If you need anything, count on me.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking after a funeral.
- AlejandroLo siento mucho por tu pérdida, Sofía.I am very sorry for your loss, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro. Aprecio tu apoyo.Thank you, Alejandro. I appreciate your support.
- AlejandroQuería darte mi condolencia personalmente.I wanted to give you my condolence personally.
- SofíaEs muy amable de tu parte.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condolence” translations and entries condolencia, pésame, péname, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
