삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다
samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida[sʰa̠mɡa̠ ko̞(ː)inɰi mjʌ̹ŋbo̞ɡɯɭ pi(ː)mnida̠]
The Korean phrase for "sorry for your loss" is 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 (samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida).
삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is the standard, formal way to offer condolences when hearing about a death or at a funeral. For expressing deepest sympathies in a highly formal manner, you may also use the term 애도의 말씀 (words of condolences).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I respectfully pray for the happiness of the deceased in the next world".
How do you pronounce it?
samga goin-ui myeongbog-eul bimnida
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, rather than expressing personal "sorrow" (which can sometimes focus on the speaker's feelings), it is more common and respectful to focus on praying for the deceased's peaceful transition.
Did you know?
- When offering condolences, Koreans traditionally wear black or dark colors, but the most traditional attire for a mourner is a plain white hemp robe called 상복.
- In some Buddhist contexts, this phrase is linked to the belief in the 'Bardo', an intermediate state between death and rebirth where the deceased needs prayers to find their way.
- While 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다 is the standard, people may avoid using the word 'death' 죽음 directly in conversation, as it is considered too blunt and taboo.
Examples in context
- 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.samga goinui myeongbogeul bimnida.I offer my deepest condolences.
Example conversation
Ji-eun visits Hyeon-u at a funeral hall to offer her condolences.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.Hyeon-u ssi, samga goinui myeongbogeul bimnida.Hyeon-u, I am sorry for your loss.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와줘서 정말 고마워요, 지은 씨.Wajwoseo jeongmal gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you so much for coming, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun힘내세요. 제가 도와드릴 일이 있을까요?Himnaeseyo. Jega dowadeuril iri isseulkkayo?Please stay strong. Is there anything I can do to help?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 마음 써줘서 고마워요.Aniyo, maeum sseojwoseo gomawoyo.No, thank you for your kindness.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
