節哀順變
zit oi seon bin
The Cantonese phrase for "my condolences" is 節哀順變 (zit oi seon bin).
This phrase is used to express sympathy to someone who has recently experienced the death of a loved one.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means to restrain one's grief and adapt to the changes (the loss) that have occurred.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English "my condolences", this Cantonese phrase does not require a possessive pronoun like "my" to be grammatically complete. It is used as a standalone idiom.
How do you pronounce it?
zit oi seon bin
Did you know?
- In traditional Cantonese culture, it is common to give 'white envelopes' containing money to the bereaved family along with these condolences, whereas red envelopes are for happy occasions.
- While 節哀順變 is a standard phrase, Cantonese speakers often avoid saying anything about 'death' or 'dying' directly during a wake to avoid bringing bad luck.
- The word 節 in this phrase refers to 'restraining' or 'regulating', echoing an ancient Confucian ideal of emotional moderation even during profound tragedy.
Examples in context
- 請節哀順變。cing2 zit3 oi1 seon5 bin3.Please accept my condolences and try to bear this loss.
- 你要節哀順變。nei5 jiu3 zit3 oi1 seon5 bin3.You should try to stay strong and bear this loss.
Example conversation
A man is offering comfort to a woman who has just lost her grandfather.
- 志強 Chi Keung聽聞你爺爺過咗，請節哀順變。ting1 jam1 nei5 je4 je4 gwo3 zo2, cing2 zit3 oi1 seon5 bin3.I heard your grandfather passed away, please accept my condolences.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung多謝你，我會盡力去面對。do1 ze6 nei5, ngo5 wui5 zeon6 lik6 heoi3 min6 deoi3.Thank you, I will try my best to face this.
- 志強 Chi Keung你要保重身體。nei5 jiu3 bou2 zung6 san1 tai2.You must take care of yourself.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我知，多謝你嘅安慰。ngo5 zi1, do1 ze6 nei5 ge3 on1 wai1.I know, thank you for your comfort.
