descansa em paz
descansa em paz is the Portuguese way to say rest in peace.
This phrase is used as a blessing or an expression of hope. While you can use the direct form descansa em paz, it is also very common to express a formal prayer or wish using the subjunctive form, such as Que ele/ela descanse em paz (May he/she rest in peace).
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb descansar (to rest), the preposition em (in) and the noun paz (peace).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to more than one person, the verb must be changed to the third-person plural form descansem em paz.
Did you know?
- In highly formal or religious Portuguese contexts, the phrase que a terra lhe seja leve ('may the earth be light for them') is sometimes used instead of descanse em paz.
- The verb descansar can also mean 'to relax' or 'to take a break' in a completely casual context, such as 'I need to rest/relax' during a weekend.
- In social media comments, you might see the phrase shortened to DEP (Descansa em Paz), which functions similarly to the English 'RIP'.
Examples in context
- Descanse em paz, companheiro/companheiraRest in peace, mate/comrade
- Querido Pedro, sinto muito por sua perda. Que a alma de seu pai descanse em paz. Meus mais sinceros pêsames.Dear Pedro, I'm so sorry for your loss. May your father's soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences.
- Descanse em paz, Maria. Seu espírito generoso será sempre lembrado por todos nós.Rest in peace, Maria. Your generous spirit will always be remembered by all of us.
- Descansa em paz, meu querido avô.Rest in peace, my dear grandfather.
- Ela descansa em paz entre os anjos.She rests in peace among the angels.
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are visiting a cemetery.
- MarianaSinto muito pela sua perda, Gabriel.I am very sorry for your loss, Gabriel.
- GabrielObrigado, Mariana. Ele sofreu muito.Thank you, Mariana. He suffered a lot.
- MarianaAgora ele descansa em paz.Now he rests in peace.
- GabrielSim, ele finalmente está tranquilo.Yes, he is finally at peace.
