mes plus sincères condoléances
To say my deepest condolences in French, use mes plus sincères condoléances. It is a formal way to show sympathy to someone who has lost a loved one.
It is common to write it in a card or letter or to say it inside a sentence such as Je vous présente mes plus sincères condoléances.
What does it mean word for word?
Word for word, mes plus sincères condoléances means my most sincere condolences.
Which one should you use?
Toutes mes condoléances is a common, slightly shorter alternative. Je vous adresse toute ma sympathie means I offer you all my sympathy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Toutes mes condoléances is a formal alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
condoléances is a feminine plural noun, which is why it takes mes. In French you present condolences, using the verb présenter, rather than giving or sending them.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the singular condoléance. The word is almost always plural in French.
When do people say it?
Sending a condolence card or letter is a common practice in France.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'deepest' to describe their condolences, the French use sincères ('sincere') because 'deep' (profond) is rarely used for this purpose and can sound unnatural.
- In France, the phrase mes plus sincères condoléances is often accompanied by a light touch on the shoulder or a brief embrace, as long hugs are less common in formal bereavement settings.
- The word plus in this phrase is inherited from the Latin plus, which is also the direct ancestor of the English word 'plus'.
Examples in context
- Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille endeuillée.My deepest condolences to the bereaved family.la famille endeuillée means the bereaved family.Tatoeba #13256893 by lbdx, translation #4792171 by anthrax26
- Recevez mes plus sincères condoléances en ce moment difficile.Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are speaking at a funeral.
- EmmaJe suis vraiment désolée pour votre perte, Nathan.I am truly sorry for your loss, Nathan.
- NathanC'est très gentil de votre part, Emma.That is very kind of you, Emma.
- EmmaJe vous présente mes plus sincères condoléances.I offer you my deepest condolences.
- NathanMerci beaucoup pour votre soutien.Thank you very much for your support.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mes, plus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
