What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of تسلیت (condolences) and عرض می‌کنم (I offer, present or express in a formal manner).
Which one should you use?
While تسلیت عرض می‌کنم is the standard polite form, تسلیت می‌گویم is a slightly less formal but still standard alternative. For a more intense sentiment, صمیمانه تسلیت می‌گردانم can be used to mean "I offer my heartfelt condolences." For brief, formal written communication, با عرض تسلیت is often used to mean "with condolences."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form تسلیت عرض می‌کنم is a formal and polite way to express sympathy, making it suitable for speaking to elders, superiors or in formal settings. The phrase تسلیت می‌گویم is also formal. Similarly, صمیمانه تسلیت می‌گردانم is a formal phrase and با عرض تسلیت is a brief, formal way to express condolences, commonly used in writing.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create a slightly less formal version of the phrase by replacing the highly formal arz mikonam with miguyam (I say), resulting in تسلیت می‌گویم.
How do you pronounce it?
tasliyat arz mikonam
When do people say it?
When someone offers you condolences in Persian, a common and appropriate response is ممنون (thank you).
Did you know?
- When receiving condolences, simply saying ممنون is polite, but a more culturally deep response is باقی باشید, which means 'May you remain/survive'.
- When offering تسلیت, it is common to avoid eye contact or maintain a lowered gaze as a sign of shared humility and grief.
- While you are offering sympathy, the word تسلیت is actually a loanword from Arabic, specifically from the root meaning 'to console' or 'to comfort'.
Examples in context
- پسر دوستم امروز پدرش را از دست داد، تسلیت می‌گویم.My friend's son lost his father today, I offer my condolences.
- با عرض تسلیت و تعزیت در پناه خداوند صبر برای شما آرزومندم.With condolences and sympathy, I wish you patience in God's protection.
- من به شما تسلیت عرض می‌کنم.man be shomā tasliyat arz mikonam.I offer you my condolences.
- به خانواده عزیزتان تسلیت عرض می‌کنم.be khānevāde-ye aziz-etān tasliyat arz mikonam.I offer my condolences to your dear family.
- بابت این اتفاق به شما تسلیت عرض می‌کنم.be ābat-e in ettefāgh be shomā tasliyat arz mikonam.I offer my condolences to you regarding this event.
Example conversation
Maryam meets Ali after the loss of his grandfather.
- مریم Maryamعلی، شنیدم که پدربزرگت فوت شده. تسلیت عرض می‌کنم.Ali, shenidam ke pedarbozorgat fot shode. Tasliat arz mikonam.Ali, I heard your grandfather passed away. My condolences.
- علی Aliممنونم مریم، لطف داری.Mamnoonam Maryam, lotf dari.Thank you Maryam, that is kind of you.
- مریم Maryamاگر کمکی از دستم برمی‌آید بگو.Agar komaki az dastam barmiayad begu.Tell me if there is anything I can do to help.
- علی Aliخیلی ممنونم، همین که هستی کافی است.Kheyli mamnoonam, hamin ke hasti kafi ast.Thank you very much, just you being here is enough.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries تسلیت, عرض, CC BY-SA 4.0.
