wyrazy współczucia
wyrazy współczucia is the Polish way to say my condolences.
This phrase is a formal expression used to show sympathy to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. It is appropriate for both spoken condolences and written messages, such as in a sympathy card or a formal letter.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'expressions of sympathy', where wyrazy means 'expressions' and współczucia is the genitive form of współczucie (sympathy/compassion).
Which one should you use?
While wyrazy współczucia is the common, standard way to express sympathy, Moje kondolencje is a more direct, formal translation of 'my condolences' often used in official or very formal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In highly formal situations, such as in workplace settings or condolence notes, you can use Z wyrazami współczucia. to mean 'With sincere condolences.' If you are sending condolences to someone who is not in close proximity, you can use the formal phrase Przesyłam wyrazy współczucia. which means 'I'm sending my condolences.'
Did you know?
- The word współczucie shares the same root as współpracować 'to cooperate', reflecting the idea that sympathy is 'feeling together' with another person.
- In Poland, it is common to offer wyrazy współczucia while physically shaking hands with the bereaved person at a funeral or during a visit to the home.
- In some formal Polish contexts, the phrase Moje kondolencje is considered a loanword from Latin, making it feel slightly more clinical or 'official' than the native wyrazy współczucia.
Examples in context
- Z wyrazami współczucia.I would like to express my deepest condolences for the recent loss of your loved one.
- Przykro mi z powodu Twojej straty, [Name].I'm really sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother.
- Przyjmij moje wyrazy współczucia.Please accept my condolences.
- Składam Panu wyrazy współczucia.I offer you my condolences.
- Moje wyrazy współczucia dla całej rodziny.My condolences to the whole family.
Example conversation
Katarzyna visits Paweł to offer support after a loss.
- KatarzynaBardzo mi przykro z powodu twojej straty.I am very sorry for your loss.
- PawełDziękuję, to bardzo trudny czas.Thank you, it is a very difficult time.
- KatarzynaMoje wyrazy współczucia, Pawle.My condolences, Paweł.
- PawełDziękuję ci, Katarzyno.Thank you, Katarzyna.
