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 offer”).
Which one should you use?
While お悔やみ申し上げます is a standard expression, you may also encounter 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます, which means “I offer my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart,” and ご愁傷さまです, which also means “I am sorry for your loss.”
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 suitable for funerals, formal letters or speaking to someone of higher status. Similarly, ご愁傷さまです and 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます are both formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mōshiagemasu is in the polite present tense, making the expression a standard, respectful way to convey sympathy in the moment or in writing.
How do you pronounce it?
okuyami mōshiagemasu
When do people say it?
It is customary to bow slightly when offering condolences in Japanese culture.
Did you know?
- While お悔やみ申し上げます is a standard phrase, it is often accompanied by the ritual of offering kōden, which is monetary sympathy gift wrapped in a special black and white envelope.
- The phrase ご愁傷さまです is sometimes used colloquially or ironically in modern Japanese to react to someone's bad luck, though this is inappropriate in a real funeral setting.
- In traditional Japanese funerals, it is common to avoid using the word 死ぬ ('to die') and instead use euphemisms like ご逝去 ('departure') to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Examples in context
- 謹んでお悔やみ申し上げます。Tsutsushinde okuyami moushiagemasu.I offer my sincere condolences.
- 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。Kokoro yori okuyami moushiagemasu.I offer my heartfelt condolences.
- 改めて、お悔やみ申し上げます。Aratamete, okuyami moushiagemasu.Once again, I am sorry for your loss.
Example conversation
Misaki visits Yota at his office after hearing about his grandfather's passing.
- 美咲 Misakiこの度は、心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。Kono tabi wa, kokoro yori okuyami moushiagemasu.I offer my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さん、ありがとうございます。Misaki-san, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki大変でしたね。Taihen deshita ne.It must have been very difficult.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、少し落ち着きました。Hai, sukoshi ochitsukimashita.Yes, things have calmed down a little.
