What does it mean word for word?
nakikiramay comes from the root damay, to sympathize or share in someone's suffering, with the prefix naki-, which shows joining in that feeling.
Which one should you use?
Nakikiisa ako sa inyong kalungkutan. means I share in your grief. Taos-puso ang aking pakikiramay sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya. means my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Both are more formal than nakikiramay ako.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Nakikiramay ako sa inyong pamilya means I offer my condolences to your family. Using inyong (your, plural or polite) instead of iyong (your, singular) is more respectful when addressing a friend's family during mourning.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make a full sentence, add ako (I): nakikiramay ako. If you speak for a group or a family, use kami (we) instead: nakikiramay kami.
Did you know?
- The root word damay also appears in the phrase nadamay, which describes someone being accidentally dragged into a situation or getting in trouble because they were standing next to the person who actually did something wrong.
- In the Philippines, nakikiramay is often accompanied by the tradition of abuloy, where friends and family give small monetary donations to the bereaved to help with funeral costs.
- If you are mourning with someone, you might use the word nakikiisa, which comes from the root isa meaning 'one'.
Examples in context
- Nakikiramay ako sa iyong pagdadalamhati.I offer my condolences during your mourning.
- Nakikiramay ako sa iyo at sa iyong pamilya.I offer my condolences to you and your family.
- Lubos kaming nakikiramay sa inyong pagkawala.We deeply offer our condolences for your loss.
Example conversation
Ricardo is visiting Angela at her home after a funeral.
- RicardoNakikiramay ako sa iyo, Angela.My condolences to you, Angela.
- AngelaSalamat, Ricardo. Mahirap ang panahon ngayon.Thank you, Ricardo. These are difficult times.
- RicardoNandito lang ako kung kailangan mo ng tulong.I am just here if you need help.
- AngelaSalamat sa pagpunta mo.Thank you for coming.
