お悔やみ申し上げます
okuyami mōshiagemasu
The English phrase "deep condolences" is translated into Japanese as お悔やみ申し上げます (okuyami mōshiagemasu).
This phrase is used specifically to express sympathy regarding a death. It is not used for general misfortunes, such as a failed exam or an injury.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of okuyami (condolences/regret) and mōshiagemasu (a humble form of "to say" or "to tell").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
お悔やみ申し上げます is a highly formal and polite expression. It is suitable for funeral settings, formal letters of condolence or when speaking to superiors.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mōshiagemasu is in its polite present/future form, which is the standard way to offer this sentiment.
How do you pronounce it?
okuyami mōshiagemasu
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is traditional to avoid using the word 'again' or 'repeat' when offering お悔やみ申し上げます, as implying a second death is considered a terrible omen.
- Condolence money given alongside お悔やみ申し上げます is traditionally placed in a special envelope with a black and white ribbon, and the amount is usually an odd number to prevent the death from 'splitting' or repeating.
- When writing this phrase in a formal letter, it is common practice to omit the final punctuation mark, such as a full stop. This is because a full stop is seen as 'stopping' the flow of the relationship or the sentiment.
Examples in context
- 心からお悔やみ申し上げますI offer my sincerest condolences.
- 深いお悔やみを申し上げますI offer my deep condolences.
- お亡くなりになった ◯◯さんのご冥福を心からお祈り申し上げますI offer my sincerest prayers for the repose of ◯◯ who has passed away.
- 故人のご冥福をお祈りいたしますI pray for the deceased's eternal peace.
- 早すぎるお別れに胸が痛みますMy heart aches from this too early farewell.
- 謹んでお悔やみ申し上げます。Tsutsushinde okuyami moushiagemasu.I offer my sincere condolences.
- 改めてお悔やみ申し上げます。Aratamete okuyami moushiagemasu.I would like to offer my condolences once again.
Example conversation
Ren visits Himari at her home to offer sympathy after her father's passing.
- 蓮 Ren心からお悔やみ申し上げます。Kokoro kara okuyami moushiagemasu.I offer my deepest condolences from my heart.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。お気遣い感謝します。Arigatou gozaimasu. Okizukai kansha shimasu.Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
- 蓮 Ren無理をしないでくださいね。Muri o shinaide kudasai ne.Please don't push yourself too hard.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、ありがとうございます。Hai, arigatou gozaimasu.Yes, thank you.
