Grieving the loss of a loved one is a challenging time in anyone’s life, and expressing condolences and discussing someone’s passing requires sensitivity and understanding. If you wish to talk about someone who has passed away in Chinese, it’s essential to use appropriate expressions. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “passed away” in Chinese, along with some tips, examples, and potential regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Passed Away” in Chinese
When conveying condolences in formal contexts in Chinese, it’s important to use respectful and tactful expressions. Below are some formal phrases commonly used:
1. 逝世 (Shìshì)
The most common and appropriate phrase for “passed away” in formal Chinese is “逝世”. It is a neutral and respectful term, emphasizing the departure of a person from the world. It can be used in both spoken and written contexts. For example:
我很遗憾地告诉你，他的祖父在昨天逝世了。
(Wǒ hěn yíhàn de gàosù nǐ, tā de zǔfù zài zuótiān shìshì le.)
“I’m sorry to inform you that his grandfather passed away yesterday.”
2. 去世 (Qùshì)
“去世” is another formal term used to express the concept of “passed away.” It carries a similar meaning to “逝世” while maintaining a respectful tone. Here’s an example:
我听说她昨晚去世了，我非常难过。
(Wǒ tīngshuō tā zuówǎn qùshì le, wǒ fēicháng nánguò.)
“I heard she passed away last night, I am deeply saddened.”
Informal Ways to Say “Passed Away” in Chinese
In informal settings or when talking among friends or family, you might prefer using more colloquial expressions to discuss someone’s passing. Here are some informal phrases commonly used in such situations:
1. 离世 (Líshì)
When you want to express informally that someone has “passed away,” you can use the term “离世”. It is less formal than “逝世” and “去世”. Here’s an example:
我很伤心，我的小狗昨天离世了。
(Wǒ hěn shāngxīn, wǒ de xiǎo gǒu zuótiān líshì le.)
“I am very sad; my little dog passed away yesterday.”
2. 过世 (Guòshì)
“过世” is another informal phrase commonly used to mean “passed away.” It is often used in spoken language within close-knit communities. For instance:
她的外婆上个月过世了，她非常伤心。
(Tā de wàipó shàng gè yuè guòshì le, tā fēicháng shāngxīn.)
“Her grandmother passed away last month; she is very saddened.”
Tips for Expressing Condolences in Chinese
When discussing the passing of a loved one, it’s essential to convey your condolences with sensitivity and respect. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Appropriate Titles
When referring to the deceased, use their appropriate title to show respect. For example, “父亲” (fùqīn) for father, “母亲” (mǔqīn) for mother, “外公” (wàigōng) for paternal grandfather, or “外婆” (wàipó) for paternal grandmother.
2. Share Positive Memories
When offering condolences, it’s thoughtful to reminisce and share positive memories of the deceased. This helps to remember them in a positive light and provides comfort to their loved ones.
3. Show Empathy
Expressing empathy is important when offering condolences. Use phrases like “我了解你的痛苦” (wǒ liǎojiě nǐ de tòngkǔ) which means “I understand your pain” or “请节哀顺变” (qǐng jié’āi shùnbiàn) which translates to “Please accept my condolences.”
Conclusion
Discussing the passing of a loved one in Chinese requires sensitivity and understanding. By using appropriate phrases like “逝世” (shìshì) in formal contexts and “离世” (líshì) in informal situations, you can convey your condolences respectfully and compassionately. Remember to show empathy and share positive memories to provide comfort during a difficult time. Keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate discussions about someone’s passing in Chinese with warmth and empathy.
