Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 | samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida | [sʰa̠mɡa̠ ko̞(ː)inɰi mjʌ̹ŋbo̞ɡɯɭ pi(ː)mnida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰa̠mɡa̠ ko̞(ː)ine̞ mjʌ̹ŋbo̞ɡɯɭ pi(ː)mnida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 고이 잠드소서 | goi jamdeusoseo | |
| 편히 쉬소서 | pyeonhi swisoseo |
These phrases are used to express condolences or to wish for the peaceful transition of a deceased person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 literally means "I sincerely pray for the deceased's happiness in the next world." The phrase 고이 잠드소서 literally means "sleep peacefully" or "sleep soundly."
Which one should you use?
The forms differ in their tone and application. 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is the standard way to pray for the deceased's happiness in the afterlife, whereas 고이 잠드소서 and 편히 쉬소서 focus more on the act of sleeping or resting peacefully.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is the most standard, formal and respectful way to express condolences in a funeral or formal setting. In contrast, 고이 잠드소서 is a more poetic and literary expression that is often used in written tributes or eulogies rather than in spoken conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida
When do people say it?
In Korea, 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is the most common phrase used when offering condolences to the family of the deceased. To convey the idea of eternal remembrance, one might also use the phrase 영원히 기억될 거예요, which means "Will be remembered forever."
Did you know?
- While 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is standard, some strict Buddhist practitioners avoid it because they believe the deceased's fate is already sealed and cannot be changed by prayers.
- In Korean funeral culture, the most formal way to say this is often accompanied by a deep bow toward the altar rather than just a verbal expression.
- The word 명복 (myeongbog) in the most common condolence phrase refers specifically to the happiness or good fortune one receives in the next world, often linked to Buddhist concepts of the afterlife.
Examples in context
- 진심으로 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.jinsimeuro samga goinui myeongbogul bimnida.I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased.
- 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다, 조의를 표합니다.samga goinui myeongbogul bimnida, jo-uireul pyohamnida.I pray for the repose of the deceased and offer my condolences.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyeon are offering condolences at a funeral.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 소식 들었어요?Dohyeon ssi, sosik deureosseoyo?Dohyeon, did you hear the news?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 너무 슬프네요.ne, neomu seulpeuneyo.Yes, it is so sad.
- 수빈 Su-bin삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.samga goinui myeongbogul bimnida.I pray for the repose of the deceased.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 안타까운 일이에요.jeongmal antakkaun irieyo.It is a truly unfortunate thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rest in peace” translations and entries 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
