Mi más sentido pésame
/mi mas sentido pesame/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'my deepest sympathy' is translated into Spanish as Mi más sentido pésame.
Mi más sentido pésame is the standard, most common way to express condolences to someone who has experienced a death in Spanish-speaking cultures.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'My most felt condolences', where sentido means 'felt' or 'deeply felt'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase Te acompaño en el dolor means 'I accompany you in your pain'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pésame is a masculine noun, which is why the adjective sentido uses the masculine ending.
Did you know?
- The word pésame comes from the verb pesar, meaning 'to weigh'. It literally translates to 'it weighs on me', treating grief as a physical weight.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is customary to accompany the phrase Mi más sentido pésame with a light touch on the arm or a hug, rather than a handshake.
- Spanish has a specific noun for the act of offering condolences, el pésame. One does not just say the phrase but 'gives' it using the verb dar, as in dar el pésame.
Examples in context
- Le expreso mi más sentido pésame por la pérdida de su ser querido. Que encuentre paz y consuelo en estos momentos difíciles.I express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you find peace and comfort during these difficult times.
- Estoy contigo en este duro golpe. Sabes que siempre estaré aquí para apoyarte cuando lo necesites.I am with you in this hard blow. You know I will always be here to support you whenever you need it.
- Mi más sentido pésame por su pérdida.My deepest sympathy for your loss.
- Reciba mi más sentido pésame en este momento tan difícil.Please accept my deepest sympathy in this very difficult moment.
- Le doy mi más sentido pésame a toda la familia.I offer my deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Example conversation
Elena visits Javier at his home to offer condolences.
- ElenaJavier, lamento mucho lo ocurrido.Javier, I am very sorry for what happened.
- JavierMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaMi más sentido pésame para ti y tu familia.My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- JavierTe agradezco mucho tus palabras.I really appreciate your words.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, más, pésame, sentido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
