What does it mean word for word?
The word meegevoel is a compound of mee (with) and gevoel (feeling), literally meaning 'feeling with' someone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding Innige (deep/intimate) before meegevoel makes the expression more formal and heartfelt, suitable for sympathy cards or official messages. For formal written communication, you might also use phrases like Ek bied my innige simpatie aan (I offer my sincere sympathy) or Ons betuig ons diepste medelye (We express our deepest sympathy).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my condolences', you use the possessive pronoun my before the noun meegevoel.
When do people say it?
Speakers may use religious language to offer comfort, such as the phrase Mag die Here julle vertroos in hierdie tyd van smart (May the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow). In informal settings, you can express sympathy by saying Ek is baie jammer vir jou verlies (I am very sorry for your loss), Ek dink aan jou in hierdie moeilike tyd (I'm thinking of you in this difficult time) or Mag jy vrede vind in hierdie donker tyd (May you find peace in this dark time).
Did you know?
- The word meegevoel is an exact semantic mirror of the German word Mitgefühl, reflecting how Afrikaans retains the Germanic structure of building complex emotional concepts through compounding.
- While English speakers use 'deepest' to describe sympathy, Afrikaans speakers often use innige, a word that can also describe an 'intimate' or 'close' physical or emotional relationship.
- Afrikaans distinguishes between meegevoel (empathy) and simpatie (sympathy), though in common speech, the two are often used interchangeably when offering condolences.
Examples in context
- Ons stuur ons diepste meegevoel aan die familie.We send our deepest condolences to the family.
- Ontvang asseblief ons innige meegevoel.Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Example conversation
Liezel visits Andries to offer support after a loss.
- LiezelAndries, ek wil graag my meegevoel betuig.Andries, I would like to express my condolences.
- AndriesBaie dankie, Liezel. Dit word waardeer.Thank you very much, Liezel. It is appreciated.
- LiezelOns dink aan jou in hierdie tyd.We are thinking of you in this time.
- AndriesDankie vir die ondersteuning.Thank you for the support.
