節哀順變
zit3 oi1 seon6 bin3
The Cantonese way to offer condolences is 節哀順變 (zit3 oi1 seon6 bin3).
節哀順變 is used as a formal way to offer condolences to someone who has recently lost a loved one.
Meaning: funeral expression (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means to restrain one's grief and adapt to the changes brought by loss.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
節哀順變 is a formal, idiomatic expression used in respectful contexts such as funerals or sympathy cards.
How does it change in a sentence?
This is a four-character idiom and is used as a complete sentence or a standalone expression of sympathy.
How do you pronounce it?
zit3 oi1 seon6 bin3
Did you know?
- In traditional Cantonese funeral customs, the expression of sympathy is often accompanied by the giving of 'white envelopes' containing money, rather than flowers.
- While 節哀順變 is a standard written expression, Cantonese speakers often avoid mentioning 'death' or 'dying' explicitly during the actual greeting to prevent bad luck.
- The character 節 in 節哀順變 usually means 'joint' or 'section' in other contexts, but here it acts as a verb meaning 'to economize' or 'to limit'.
Examples in context
- 請節哀順變。cing2 zit3 oi1 seon6 bin3.Please restrain your grief and accept the change.
- 你要節哀順變，保重身體。nei5 jiu3 zit3 oi1 seon6 bin3, bou2 zung6 san1 tai2.You must take care of yourself and restrain your grief.
Example conversation
Mei Ling visits Zi Kin to offer support after a loss.
- 美玲 Mei Ling子健，聽到消息我好難過。zi2 gin3, ting1 dou2 si1 sik1 ngo5 hou2 naan4 gwo3.Zi Kin, I am so sorry to hear the news.
- 子健 Tsz Kin多謝你嘅安慰。do1 ze6 nei5 ge3 on1 wai3.Thank you for your comfort.
- 美玲 Mei Ling你要節哀順變，唔好太傷心。nei5 jiu3 zit3 oi1 seon6 bin3, m4 hou2 taai3 soeng1 sam1.You must restrain your grief and not be too heartbroken.
- 子健 Tsz Kin我知道，我會盡力。ngo5 zi1 dou6, ngo5 wui5 zeon6 lik6.I know, I will do my best.
