愿逝者安息
yuàn shìzhě ānxī
The English phrase "rest in peace" is translated into Chinese as 愿逝者安息 (yuàn shìzhě ānxī).
This phrase is used to express a wish for the peace of the departed, often used in religious or highly respectful contexts.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 愿 (may/wish), 逝者 (the deceased/one who has passed) and 安息 (rest in peace).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
愿逝者安息 is a formal and respectful way to express the sentiment, suitable for written condolences or formal eulogies. 安息 is a formal way to say "rest in peace" in Chinese.
How do you pronounce it?
yuàn shìzhě ānxī
Did you know?
- While 愿逝者安息 is a direct translation of 'rest in peace', traditional Chinese culture often uses the phrase 一路走好, which literally means 'have a good journey'.
- In very traditional settings, the concept of 'peace' for the dead is not about sleep but about the spirit not becoming a 饿鬼 or 'hungry ghost' through proper offerings.
- The term 安息 is heavily influenced by Christian terminology and is more common in churches than in traditional Confucian funerals.
Examples in context
- 在这个艰难的时刻，请接受我们最诚挚的慰问。愿逝者安息。In this difficult moment, please accept our sincere condolences. May the departed rest in peace.
- 他是一位伟大的人，为我们留下了美好的回忆。愿他安息吧。He was a great person who left us with beautiful memories. May he rest in peace.
- 我知道你现在很难过，但愿逝者在天堂能够安好。I know you're going through a difficult time, and I hope the departed finds peace in heaven.
- 不要太难过了，你父亲现在已经离开了病痛，可以安心了。Don't be too sad, your father has now left the pain behind and can rest in peace.
- 愿逝者安息，愿生者坚强。Yuàn shìzhě ānxī, yuàn shēngzhě jiānqiáng.May the deceased rest in peace, and may the living stay strong.
- 我们在心中祈祷，愿逝者安息。Wǒmen zài xīnzhōng qǐdǎo, yuàn shìzhě ānxī.We pray in our hearts, wishing the deceased rest in peace.
Example conversation
Zihan and Haoran are visiting a funeral service.
- 梓涵 Zihan这场葬礼太令人伤心了。Zhè chǎng zànglǐ tài lìngrén shāngxīn le.This funeral is so heartbreaking.
- 浩然 Haoran是的，他是个好人。Shì de, tā shì gè hǎorén.Yes, he was a good person.
- 梓涵 Zihan愿逝者安息。Yuàn shìzhě ānxī.May he rest in peace.
- 浩然 Haoran希望他不再痛苦。Xīwàng tā bùzài tòngkǔ.I hope he is no longer in pain.
