Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| descanse en paz | /desˌkanse em ˈpaθ/ /desˌkanse em ˈpas/ |
| que en paz descanse | /ke em ˌpaθ desˈkanse/ /ke em ˌpas desˈkanse/ |
These phrases are used as blessings or expressions of hope. Other religious or heartfelt variations include Que su alma descanse eternamente (May their soul rest eternally) or Dios lo tenga en su gloria (May God have them in his glory).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase descanse en paz is composed of the verb descansar (to rest) in the subjunctive mood, en (in) and paz (peace).
Which one should you use?
While descanse en paz is a standard way to say "rest in peace", the variation que en paz descanse is also used to mean "may they rest in peace".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the abbreviation DEP is commonly used to stand for Descanse en paz.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase descanse en paz uses the third-person singular subjunctive to refer to the deceased person (he, she or it). If you are referring to more than one deceased person, you must change the verb to the third-person plural form descansen en paz. Adding que to the beginning of the phrase, as in que descanse en paz, is a common way to express a wish or a prayer, functioning like "may he/she rest in peace".
How do you pronounce it?
/desˌkanse em ˈpaθ/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking contexts, the abbreviation D.E.P. (Descanse En Paz) serves as the equivalent of the English "R.I.P." and is frequently seen on gravestones or in written condolences.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word paz shares a common root with the English word 'peace', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root *peh₂ǵ-, which relates to the idea of fixing or settling something.
- In written condolences, Q.E.P.D. is a common variation of D.E.P. which includes the word que to make the blessing more formal.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase vaya con Dios as a complementary blessing when discussing someone who has passed away.
Examples in context
- Que descanse en paz.Rest in peace.This sentence shows a simple way to say "Rest in peace."Tatoeba #1768684 by marcelostockle, translation #692884 by CM
- Que tu alma descanse en paz.May your soul rest in peace.This sentence is useful for the expression "May your soul rest in peace."Tatoeba #1469094 by marcelostockle, translation #761571 by Scott
- ¡Qué lástima! Era un buen profesor. Que descanse en paz.What a pity! He was a good professor. May he rest in peace.This sentence demonstrates how to use descanse en paz when expressing sympathy after someone's passing.Tatoeba #4426515 by Serafin, translation #4426110 by AlanF_US
- Mis más sinceras condolencias. Que en paz descanse tu querida abuela. Siempre recordaré su amabilidad y sonrisa eterna. Estoy aquí para lo que necesites.My deepest condolences. May your dear grandmother rest in peace. I will always remember her kindness and eternal smile. I'm here for whatever you need.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking at a funeral service.
- SofíaEra una persona muy especial. Que descanse en paz.She was a very special person. May she rest in peace.
- MateoAsí es, Sofía. Que descanse en paz.That is true, Sofía. May she rest in peace.
- SofíaEs un momento muy triste para todos.It is a very sad moment for everyone.
- MateoSí, pero recordaremos su gran corazón.Yes, but we will remember her great heart.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rest in peace” translations and entries descanse en paz, que en paz descanse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, paz, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
