mi pésame
/mi pesame/from spelling rules
mi pésame is the Spanish way to say my condolence.
This phrase is used to offer sympathy and support to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. A very common and slightly more formal way to express deep sympathy is to say Mi más sentido pésame, which means my deepest condolences.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mi (my) and pésame (condolences/my sympathy).
Which one should you use?
While mi pésame is a standard expression, Lo siento mucho (I am very sorry) is a more common and slightly less formal way to express sympathy.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, it is common to use a verb like dar (to give) to make the phrase a complete sentence, such as le doy mi pésame (I give you my condolences).
When do people say it?
When someone receives condolences in Spanish, the standard response is to say Gracias (Thank you).
Did you know?
- The word pésame literally translates to 'it weighs on me'. It comes from the verb 'pesar', which means 'to weigh', implying that the person's grief is a physical weight on your own heart.
- Offering mi pésame is often accompanied by a beso (kiss) on the cheek or a long embrace, regardless of the gender of the people involved.
- While mi pésame is standard, some regions use the phrase le acompaño en su sentimiento, which translates to 'I accompany you in your feeling'.
Examples in context
- Mis más sinceras condolencias.My deepest condolences.
- Lamento mucho su pérdida.I am deeply sorry for your loss.
- Quisiera expresar mi pesar por su dolorosa pérdida.I would like to express my sorrow for your painful loss.
- Lo siento mucho por tu pérdida.I'm really sorry for your loss.
- Mis condolencias para ti y tu familia.Condolences to you and your family.
- Te acompaño en tu tristeza.I share in your sadness.
- Estoy aquí para lo que necesites.I am here for whatever you need.
- Recibe mi pésame por tu pérdida.Please accept my condolences for your loss.
- Quiero expresarte mi pésame.I want to express my condolences to you.
- Acepta mi pésame en este momento difícil.Accept my condolences in this difficult time.
Example conversation
Elena visits Javier at his home after the passing of his father.
- ElenaJavier, recibe mi pésame.Javier, please accept my condolences.
- JavierMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaLo siento mucho.I am so sorry.
- JavierGracias por venir.Thank you for coming.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, pésame, CC BY-SA 4.0.
