Ways to say it
| French |
|---|
| mes condoléances |
| toutes mes condoléances |
This phrase is used to express sympathy following a death. While you can use the verb exprimer (to express) to say Je vous exprime mes condoléances, in more formal French it is more common to use the verb présenter (to present or offer).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mes condoléances consists of mes, the plural possessive adjective meaning 'my' and condoléances, meaning 'condolences'.
Which one should you use?
Mes condoléances is the standard way to offer sympathy, whereas toutes mes condoléances (all my condolences) is a slightly more emphatic and formal variation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mes condoléances on its own is a standard, polite and somewhat formal way to offer sympathy, which is often used in writing or when speaking to someone you are not close with. A more formal approach is to say Je vous présente mes sincères condoléances. If you are speaking to someone you know well, an informal way to express sympathy is Je suis vraiment désolé pour ta perte or Toutes mes condoléances à toi et ta famille.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word condoléances is a feminine noun that is almost always used in its plural form when expressing sympathy.
Did you know?
- The word condoléances shares a root with the Latin 'dolere', meaning 'to suffer' or 'to feel pain', reflecting the shared suffering between the speaker and the bereaved.
- In France, it is common to sign a registre de condoléances (condolences register) at a funeral, a tradition that allows guests to leave a written trace of their presence and sympathy.
- When writing a formal sympathy card, it is customary to use the phrase recevez l'expression de mes plus sincères condoléances to follow strict French etiquette.
Examples in context
- Je vous exprime mes condoléances.You have my condolences.This sentence shows how to use mes condoléances to express your condolences to someone.Tatoeba #3563544 by sacredceltic, translation #5082707 by AlanF_US
- Veuillez accepter mes condoléances.Please accept my condolences.This sentence demonstrates how to use mes condoléances when asking someone to accept them.Tatoeba #11594076 by Adrien_FR, translation #4495428 by CK
- Veuillez accepter mes condoléances !Please accept my condolences!This sentence is an emphatic way to ask someone to accept mes condoléances.Tatoeba #1118143 by sacredceltic, translation #2679426 by _undertoad
- Je sais que c'est une période difficile pour toi et ta famille.I know it's a difficult time for you and your family.
- Mes pensées sont avec toi en cette période difficile.My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
- Je partage ta peine.I share your sorrow.
- Je suis là pour toi.I'm here for you.
- Je comprends ta douleur.I understand your pain.
- Je suis de tout cœur avec toi.I am wholeheartedly with you.
- Je suis tellement désolé d'apprendre cette terrible nouvelle. Mes sincères condoléances.I'm so sorry to hear this awful news. My sincerest condolences.
- Je tiens à t'exprimer toute ma sympathie pour la perte de ___. Mes pensées t'accompagnent.I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of ___. You're in my thoughts.
- Si tu as besoin d'aide pour les arrangements funéraires, je peux te prêter main-forte.If you need help with the funeral arrangements, I can lend you a hand.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are at a funeral service.
- LucasMes condoléances, Emma.My condolences, Emma.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Lucas.Thank you very much, Lucas.
- LucasJe suis vraiment désolé pour toi.I am truly sorry for you.
- EmmaC'est gentil d'être venu.It is kind of you to have come.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condolences” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
