xin chia buồn
[sin˧˧ t͡ɕiə˧˧ ʔɓuən˨˩]word by word
The English phrase "my condolences" is translated into Vietnamese as xin chia buồn.
xin chia buồn is a phrase used to express sympathy to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. While it is a complete phrase on its own, it is often used as a standalone exclamation when you approach someone to offer your sympathy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of xin (to request or please), chia (to share or divide) and buồn (sadness or sorrow). Literally, it means "please share sadness".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and respectful version, such as those used in written messages, on funeral wreaths or in formal funeral settings, you can use Thành kính chia buồn.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express your condolences to a family specifically, you can add cùng gia đình (with the family) to the end of the phrase to say xin chia buồn cùng gia đình.
Did you know?
- In traditional Vietnamese funerals, offering xin chia buồn is often accompanied by the giving of white envelopes containing money to help the family with funeral costs.
- When offering condolences in person, Vietnamese people often avoid direct eye contact or use a very soft, lowered tone to show humility and respect for the dead.
- The word buồn in xin chia buồn is a doublet of the word phiền. While the former means 'sadness', the latter describes being 'annoyed' or 'fed up'.
Examples in context
- Xin chia buồn!My condolences!This example shows how to use xin chia buồn as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #13693168 by leucammieuvu, translation #629043 by Eldad
- Xin gửi lời chia buồn sâu sắc đến gia đình anh/chị/em.We would like to sincerely extend our deepest condolences to you and your family.
- Chúng tôi xin chân thành chia buồn cùng anh/chị/em trong thời gian khó khăn này.We share in your sorrow during this difficult time.
- Chúng tôi xin chân thành chia buồn với gia đình anh/chị/em. Xin an ủi và hy vọng anh/chị/em sẽ tìm thấy niềm an lành trong lòng mình.We sincerely offer our condolences to you and your family. May you find solace and peace in your heart.
- Tôi xin chia buồn cùng gia đình bạn.I offer my condolences to your family.
- Cho tôi xin chia buồn với anh.Please allow me to express my condolences to you.
Example conversation
Chi visits Nam at his home after he lost his grandfather.
- ChiEm xin chia buồn cùng anh và gia đình.I offer my condolences to you and your family.
- NamCảm ơn em rất nhiều.Thank you very much.
- ChiAnh hãy giữ gìn sức khỏe nhé.Please take care of your health.
- NamAnh sẽ cố gắng.I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (xin, chia, buồn) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buồn, chia, xin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
