深切哀悼
shēnqiè āidào
The English phrase "deepest condolences" is translated into Chinese as 深切哀悼 (shēnqiè āidào).
深切哀悼 is a formal expression of sympathy used to tell someone that you are very sorry for their loss.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 深切 (shēnqiè), meaning "deep/profound" and 哀悼 (āidào), meaning "to mourn/condolences".
Which one should you use?
While 深切哀悼 is a statement of your own sympathy, the phrase 节哀顺变 (jiéāi shùnbiàn) serves a different purpose. It is used to console the bereaved by essentially telling them to restrain their grief and adapt to the change, or to take care of themselves and not be overcome by grief.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
深切哀悼 is highly formal. It is most appropriate for written messages, official statements or formal funeral settings. For example, the phrase 请接受我最真诚的哀悼 can be used in written correspondence such as condolence cards or letters.
How do you pronounce it?
shēnqiè āidào
Did you know?
- In many Chinese-speaking communities, the color white is the traditional color for mourning rather than black. If you are sending a condolence message, you may see white flowers or white envelopes used in the funeral arrangements.
- The phrase 节哀顺变 contains the character 节 (jié), which means 'to economize' or 'to limit', literally suggesting that the bereaved should 'budget' or limit their grief to avoid illness.
- While 深切哀悼 is used for the act of mourning, the word 哀 (āi) shares a root with 爱 (ài), meaning 'love', reflecting the idea that grief is a form of love that persists after loss.
Examples in context
- 请接受我最真诚的哀悼。Please accept my deepest condolences.
- 我们向您的家人表示深切哀悼。Wǒmen xiàng nín de jiārén biǎoshì shēnqiè āidào.We express our deepest condolences to your family.
- 在此表示深切哀悼，愿逝者安息。Zài cǐ biǎoshì shēnqiè āidào, yuàn shìzhě ānxī.Expressing deepest condolences here, may the deceased rest in peace.
Example conversation
Wei visits Zihan to offer support after a family bereavement.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，听到这个消息我很难过。Zǐhán, tīngdào zhège xiāoxī wǒ hěn nánguò.Zihan, I am very sad to hear this news.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你的关心，伟。Xièxie nǐ de guānxīn, Wěi.Thank you for your concern, Wei.
- 伟 Wei我向你和你的家人表示深切哀悼。Wǒ xiàng nǐ hé nǐ de jiārén biǎoshì shēnqiè āidào.I express my deepest condolences to you and your family.
- 梓涵 Zihan非常感谢你的安慰。Fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de ānwèi.Thank you very much for your comfort.
