节哀顺变
jié'āishùnbiàn
The phrase "sorry for your loss" can be expressed in Chinese as 节哀顺变 (jié'āishùnbiàn).
The phrase 节哀顺变 is used as a formal and respectful way to offer condolences to someone who is grieving a death.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 节哀顺变 means to restrain one's grief and adapt to the change (referring to the death).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While English speakers often say "I am sorry for your loss", the Chinese equivalent 节哀顺变 is a set idiom that functions as a formal, polite expression of sympathy. For a different formal way to express "heartfelt condolences", you can use 衷心的慰问.
How do you pronounce it?
jié'āishùnbiàn
Did you know?
- The word 节 in 节哀顺变 comes from the concept of '节制', meaning to economize or limit, treating grief like a resource that must be managed rather than fully released.
- In many Chinese social settings, offering this phrase is often accompanied by a slight, respectful nod of the head rather than a hug, which is more common in Western condolences.
- While 节哀顺变 is the standard phrase, in very traditional settings, people may avoid any words relating to 'death' or 'loss' entirely to prevent bringing bad luck to others.
Examples in context
- 致以最深切的哀悼之情，愿逝者安息，愿您获得安慰与坚强。Offering my deepest condolences, may the departed rest in peace, and may you find comfort and strength.
- 我很遗憾听到这个消息，愿你能勇敢面对这段艰难时光。I'm deeply sorry to hear this news. May you have the courage to face this difficult time.
- 请节哀顺变。Qǐng jié āi shùn biàn.Please accept my condolences.
- 听到这个消息，请节哀顺变。Tīng dào zhè ge xiāoxi, qǐng jié āi shùn biàn.I was sorry to hear the news, please accept my condolences.
- 你要多保重，节哀顺变。Nǐ yào duō bǎozhòng, jié āi shùn biàn.You must take care of yourself, please accept my condolences.
Example conversation
浩然 visits 梓涵 to offer comfort after her grandfather passed away.
- 浩然 Haoran梓涵，听到这个消息我很遗憾。Zǐhán, tīng dào zhè ge xiāoxi wǒ hěn yíhàn.Zihan, I am so sorry to hear this news.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你，浩然。Xièxiè nǐ, Hàorán.Thank you, Haoran.
- 浩然 Haoran请节哀顺变，照顾好自己。Qǐng jié āi shùn biàn, zhàogù hǎo zìjǐ.Please accept my condolences, and take care of yourself.
- 梓涵 Zihan我会的。Wǒ huì de.I will.
