节哀顺变
jié'āishùnbiàn
The English phrase "I am sorry for your loss" is expressed in Chinese as 节哀顺变 (jié'āishùnbiàn).
节哀顺变 is a standard way to offer condolences to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means to restrain one's grief and adapt to the changes brought by the loss.
How do you pronounce it?
jié'āishùnbiàn
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, this phrase functions as both a way to express sympathy and a piece of advice to the bereaved to maintain composure.
Did you know?
- White is the traditional color of mourning in China, not black. Wearing white or seeing white banners at a wake is the visual cue that prompts the use of 节哀顺变.
- The word 节 in 节哀顺变 does not mean 'festival' or 'joint' here. It acts as a verb meaning 'to economize' or 'to limit', treating grief as a resource that should not be wasted or overspent.
- In traditional Chinese funerals, the bereaved may receive white envelopes containing money. This is a practical gesture to help with funeral costs and is often accompanied by 节哀顺变.
Examples in context
- 请接受我诚挚的慰问。Please accept my sincere condolences.
- 请节哀顺变。Qǐng jié āi shùn biàn.Please accept my condolences.
- 听到这个消息，请节哀顺变。Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, qǐng jié āi shùn biàn.Please accept my condolences upon hearing this news.
- 你要节哀顺变，多保重身体。Nǐ yào jié āi shùn biàn, duō bǎozhòng shēntǐ.Please try to bear this loss and take care of yourself.
Example conversation
Junjie visits Zihan at her home to offer condolences.
- 俊杰 Junjie听到你爷爷去世的消息，我很遗憾。Tīng dào nǐ yéye qùshì de xiāoxi, wǒ hěn yíhàn.I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你的安慰。Xièxiè nǐ de ānwèi.Thank you for your sympathy.
- 俊杰 Junjie请节哀顺变，一定要照顾好自己。Qǐng jié āi shùn biàn, yīdìng yào zhàogù hǎo zìjǐ.Please accept my condolences, and please take care of yourself.
- 梓涵 Zihan我会的，谢谢你关心。Wǒ huì de, xièxiè nǐ guānxīn.I will, thank you for your concern.
