What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lời chia buồn is composed of lời (words), chia (to share or divide) and buồn (sadness).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, you can use the expression Xin chia buồn to say 'Please accept my condolences' or the slightly more formal Xin được chia buồn to mean 'May I offer my condolences'. The verb chia buồn itself is appropriate for both formal and informal situations when expressing sympathy.
How does it change in a sentence?
When offering condolences, it is common to add cùng gia đình (with the family) to the end of your phrase to make it a complete and polite sentiment, as seen in xin chia buồn cùng gia đình (offer condolences to the family).
When do people say it?
When expressing sympathy for someone who has passed away, you can also use the phrase Kính chúc người quá cố được thanh thản nơi cõi vĩnh hằng to say 'I wish the departed soul to find eternal peace'.
Did you know?
- White is the traditional color of mourning in Vietnam, and you will often see the bereaved wearing white headbands while receiving lời chia buồn.
- When offering condolences, Vietnamese speakers often use a gesture of bowing slightly to show respect to the deceased and the mourning family.
- The word buồn may be cognate with the word muốn, which means 'to want'.
Examples in context
- Tôi xin gửi lời chia buồn đến gia đình bạn.I would like to offer my condolences to your family.
- Chúng tôi xin được gửi lời chia buồn tới bà.We would like to offer our condolences to you, ma'am.
Example conversation
Tuấn and Hương are visiting a friend's house to pay respects.
- TuấnTôi xin gửi lời chia buồn tới gia đình cô.I offer my condolences to your family.
- HươngCảm ơn anh Tuấn vì đã đến.Thank you, Tuấn, for coming.
- TuấnMong cô hãy giữ gìn sức khỏe.Please take care of yourself.
- HươngTôi sẽ cố gắng, cảm ơn anh.I will try, thank you.
