συλλυπητήρια
syllypitírianeuter, plural
Condolences in Greek is συλλυπητήρια (syllypitíria), the standard word for expressing sympathy after a death. If unsure, use συλλυπητήρια. Wiktionary also lists ζωή σε σας (zoḯ se sas).
Meaning: funeral expression (intj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| συλλυπητήρια | syllypitíria | neuter, plural | |
| ζωή σε σας | zoḯ se sas | /zoˈi se sas/ |
συλλυπητήρια works on its own as a funeral expression. Θερμά συλλυπητήρια, warm condolences, is a formal way to express sympathy and Εκφράζω τα βαθιά μου συλλυπητήρια means I express my deepest condolences.
Which one should you use?
ζωή σε σας, literally life to you, is a traditional, more ritual way to offer condolences, often heard in traditional or religious settings. Λυπάμαι πολύ για το θλιβερό νέο means I am very sorry for the sad news and is used informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
συλλυπητήρια is a neuter plural noun. To say my condolences, use τα συλλυπητήριά μου, with the neuter plural article τα and the possessive μου.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized as syllypitíria.
When do people say it?
A common reply when receiving condolences is Σας ευχαριστώ, I thank you.
Did you know?
- The root of συλλυπητήρια comes from the prefix 'syn-' meaning 'together' and 'lype' meaning 'sorrow', literally implying a 'sharing of sorrow' with the bereaved.
- In some Greek regions, the family receiving συλλυπητήρια may reply with Θελέμα του Θεού, which attributes the death to the 'will of God'.
- When you say ζωή σε σας, you are not wishing for the mourners to have a long life in a general sense, but rather a ritualistic wish that they remain alive to carry the memory of the deceased.
Examples in context
- Δέξου τα συλλυπητήριά μου.Accept my condolences.τα συλλυπητήριά μου means my condolences, here asking the listener to accept them.
- Ζωή σε σας να τον θυμόσαστε!My condolences, may you live to remember him!Ζωή σε σας opens a traditional wish that the mourners live long to remember the person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condolences” translations and entries συλλυπητήρια, ζωή σε σας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
