Expressing condolences in Spanish with English translation
Most of our posts tend to be quite upbeat. However, when it’s about expressing sadness, shock and solidarity for the loss of our dearest ones, every now and then we may need to express condolences in Spanish. Since death is also a part of life and, it is essential to know how to deal with this when we learn Spanish.
A universal condolence message in Spanish could simply and obviously be Mi más sentido pésame, which translates as “My deepest condolences” or “sympathies”. You can also say Mis condolencias, meaning pretty much the above. You can say just this when someone’s decease affects you in any way but you may not feel as intimately connected as, say, a direct relative or close friend.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES IN SPANISH
In the Spanish language we can however express condolences in many different manners. Here you are some very common ones:
| Condolences message in Spanish | English translation |
| Te acompaño en el sentimiento | I feel you/feel your pain |
| Siento la pérdida de… | I’m sorry for the loss of… |
| Me acabo de enterar de la terrible noticia, lamento mucho tu/su/vuestra pérdida | I just found out about this tragic news, I’m very sorry for your loss |
| ¡Mucho ánimo! | Be strong! |
| Es lamentable pero es ley de vida. | It’s regrettable but unavoidable. |
We suppose that most of the times Spanish speakers will belong to a Christian or Catholic church, but it is important to consider the family’s faith before using, for instance, the word God (orthodox Jewish avoid it, Muslim give it a different denomination, and there may be different ways to refer to God even within Christianity).
CONDOLENCES IN SPANISH FOR THE LOST OF A RELATIVE
You may express condolences in Spanish for loss of mother or condolences in Spanish for loss of father. Here you need to be gentle and tactful: the departure of any loved one is a tragic event, but losing any of the parents is undoubtedly a major blow:
| Expression in Spanish | English translation |
| Tu papá/mamá era una buena persona. Vamos a echarle de menos. | Your dad/mom was a good person. We’ll miss him/her. |
| Tu/su/vuestro padre/vuestra madre era una gran persona. Siento mucho vuestra pérdida. | Your father/mother was a great person. I’m sorry for your loss. |
| Solo pido a Dios que te dé fortaleza para sobrellevar esta pérdida. | I just pray God gives you strength to carry on with this loss. |
| Es triste pero ahora está en un lugar mejor. | It’s sad but he/she is now in a better place. |
| Te acompaño en el inmenso dolor que supone la pérdida de tu/su/vuestro/vuestra padre/madre. | I’m with you in the great pain for your father’s/mother’s loss. |
| Vivrà per sempre nei nostri cuori. | He/she will live in our hearts forever. |
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE UK AND SPAIN
- Even though Spain is mostly a Catholic nation while in the UK Protestant churches lead the way, cremations in Spain are becoming increasingly frequent: 45% of Spaniards already choose this as their farewell, firstly based on economic advantage.
- Also because of the religious differences, in Spain, on November 1st, All Saints’ Day, and November 2, Day of the Dead, most people go to the cemetery to visit their beloved ones.
- In Spain, where physical contact may not be considered such a strong taboo as in the UK, you can offer comfort by lending your shoulder to a person who is inconsolable. Even if you are not as close to the deceased’s family and friends, it is still appreciated that during funerals and wakes you shake hands and subsequently say some words of support.
We hope this lesson is useful enough for you to express condolences in Spanish. Always remember to be respectful and solemn and not to go overboard as for showing comfort during funeral services when it’s for Spanish people and families.
Let’s learn Spanish! Discover these 10 interesting facts about Easter in Spain.
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