节哀顺变
jié'āi shùnbiàn
The English phrase "my deepest condolences" is expressed in Chinese as 节哀顺变 (jié'āi shùnbiàn).
节哀顺变 is a standard, formal idiom used to offer condolences to someone who is grieving.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means to restrain one's grief and adapt to the changes brought by the loss.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This expression is highly formal and appropriate for both written messages and spoken condolences to acquaintances or colleagues. A more formal way to say "I offer you my deepest condolences" is 我对你表示深切的哀悼。
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English phrase, this Chinese idiom does not require a possessive pronoun like "my" (我的) to be used as a complete expression of sympathy.
How do you pronounce it?
jié'āi shùnbiàn
Did you know?
- While English speakers often say 'I am sorry' to express sympathy, using 'sorry' (对不起) in this context in Chinese can sound like you are apologizing for a mistake or fault.
- In traditional Chinese funeral customs, the phrase 节哀顺变 is often paired with the gift of white envelopes containing money, rather than the colorful floral arrangements common in Western cultures.
- While 节哀顺变 is the standard for formal sympathy, it is often avoided for very close friends or family members because the command to 'restrain' grief can feel too cold or detached for an intimate bond.
Examples in context
- 请节哀顺变。Qǐng jié āi shùn biàn.Please accept my condolences.
- 听到这个消息，我想对你说声节哀顺变。Tīng dào zhè ge xiāoxi, wǒ xiǎng duì nǐ shuō shēng jié āi shùn biàn.Hearing this news, I want to say my condolences to you.
- 请节哀顺变，多保重身体。Qǐng jié āi shùn biàn, duō bǎo zhòng shēntǐ.Please accept my condolences and take care of yourself.
Example conversation
Jia Yi visits Wei at his home to comfort him after his grandfather's passing.
- 佳怡 Jiayi伟，请节哀顺变。Wěi, qǐng jié āi shùn biàn.Wei, please accept my condolences.
- 伟 Wei谢谢你，佳怡。Xièxie nǐ, Jiāyí.Thank you, Jia Yi.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你要多保重。Nǐ yào duō bǎozhòng.You must take care of yourself.
- 伟 Wei我会的。Wǒ huì de.I will.
