삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다
samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida[sʰa̠mɡa̠ ko̞(ː)inɰi mjʌ̹ŋbo̞ɡɯɭ pi(ː)mnida̠]
The English phrase "my deepest condolences" can be translated into Korean as 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 (samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida).
삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is the standard, formal way to express condolences at a funeral or when hearing of a death.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I respectfully pray for the bliss of the deceased." The word 명복 refers to the Buddhist concept of happiness or bliss in the next world or repose.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of the verb 빕니다 makes 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 a highly formal and respectful expression suitable for funerals. Other formal options include 깊은 조의를 표합니다, which means expressing deep condolences and 삼가 조의드립니다, which means I humbly offer condolences.
How do you pronounce it?
samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida
Did you know?
- When using the phrase 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다, you should avoid using a period or full stop at the end of the sentence. Some believe that a final dot symbolizes a complete end, which could be seen as cutting off the deceased's path to the afterlife.
- Korean funeral halls are often located in hospitals, making the transition from a sterile medical environment to the ritual use of 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 very sudden.
- The term 명복 specifically refers to the judgment process in the afterlife, meaning the phrase is literally wishing for a favorable trial and a good rebirth.
Examples in context
- 회사 동료인 박지현 양의 가족께 삼가 조의드립니다.I humbly offer my condolences to the family of Park Ji-hyeon, a colleague at the company.
- 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.samga goinui myeongbogeul bimnida.My deepest condolences.
- 갑작스러운 소식에 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.gapjageureoun sosige samga goinui myeongbogeul bimnida.I offer my deepest condolences regarding the sudden news.
Example conversation
Minji visits Hyunwoo at a funeral hall to offer her sympathy.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.Hyunwoo ssi, samga goinui myeongbogeul bimnida.Hyunwoo, my deepest condolences.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와주셔서 정말 감사합니다, 민지 씨.Wajusyeoseo jeongmal gamsahamnida, Minji ssi.Thank you so much for coming, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji상심이 크시겠지만 기운 내세요.Sangsimi keusigessagetjiman giun naeseyo.I know you are heartbroken, but please stay strong.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 신경 써 주셔서 고마워요.Ne, singyeong sseo jusyeoseo gomawoyo.Yes, thank you for your concern.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
