משתתף בצערך
mishtatef betza'arkha
The Hebrew phrase for "sorry for your loss" is משתתף בצערך (mishtatef betza'arkha).
This is a sympathetic expression used to offer condolences to someone whose loved one has died.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase משתתף בצערך literally means "participating in your sorrow".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender of both the speaker and the listener. If the person speaking is female, the verb changes from the masculine 'mishtatef' to the feminine משתתפת בצערך (mishtatefet betza'arkha). Additionally, if the person being addressed is female, the suffix changes from 'betza'arkha' to משתתף בצערך (mishtatef betza'arkhekh).
How do you pronounce it?
mishtatef betza'arkha
Did you know?
- In traditional Jewish mourning, people often avoid saying anything at all to the bereaved until the deceased has been buried.
- During the שבעה (shiva) mourning week, the bereaved typically sit on low stools, and visitors offer condolences while remaining at a low physical level.
- In very formal or religious settings, people may use the phrase ברוך דיין האמת (Blessed is the True Judge) to acknowledge the death before offering personal sympathy.
Examples in context
- מצטער על האובדן שלך.Sorry for your loss.
Example conversation
Rotem meets Ido after his grandfather passed away.
- רוטם Rotemשמעתי על סבא, אני משתתף בצערך.shama'ti al saba, ani mishtatef be-tsa'archa.I heard about your grandfather, I am sorry for your loss.
- עידו Idoתודה רבה, רוטם.toda raba, Rotem.Thank you very much, Rotem.
- רוטם Rotemאם אתה צריך משהו, אני פה.im ata tsarich mashehu, ani po.If you need anything, I am here.
- עידו Idoאני מעריך את זה מאוד.ani ma'arich et ze me'od.I appreciate it very much.
