che riposi in pace
The Italian phrase for "may he rest in peace" is che riposi in pace.
The phrase is used to express a wish that a deceased person finds eternal peace.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, che riposi in pace means "that he may rest in peace". The word che functions as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause of wishing, similar to how "may" is used in English.
Which one should you use?
While che riposi in pace is a formal wish, Riposa in pace is a common direct address used in more personal or concise contexts, such as on a headstone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood (riposi) to express a wish or a desire.
Did you know?
- While che riposi in pace is a wish for the dead, the word pace is also used in the phrase fare pace to describe two living people making up after a fight.
- In Italy, the phrase riposa in pace is often abbreviated as R.I.P. on tombstones, mirroring the English abbreviation despite the Italian words being in a different order.
- In traditional Italian Catholic funerals, the expression of peace is often accompanied by the sprinkling of holy water, a physical gesture that reinforces the spiritual wish of the phrase.
Examples in context
- Che riposi in pace, caro nonno.May he rest in peace, dear grandfather.
- Preghiamo per lui, che riposi in pace.Let us pray for him, may he rest in peace.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are visiting a cemetery.
- ChiaraNon posso credere che sia già passato un anno.I can't believe a year has already passed.
- AlessandroIl tempo vola, ma ci manca ancora molto.Time flies, but we still miss him very much.
- ChiaraSì, che riposi in pace.Yes, may he rest in peace.
- AlessandroCosì sia, Chiara.So be it, Chiara.
