Respectful Ways to Offer Condolences in Spanish
At sensitive moments, communication is admittedly a little tricky in a foreign language.
Do you need to offer your condolences in Spanish but feel unprepared? Are you in a sensitive situation and want to say the right words?
Sharing comforting words of care when someone is grieving a death is a way of connecting with others and being empathetic.
Read this article to learn about the meaning and intention of the word “sorry” in Spanish, find out how to say “I’m sorry for your loss” or to send your deepest condolences in Spanish, and access phrases to say in specific situations like the death of someone’s mother.
Aprendamos cómo ofrecer condolencias en español.
Let’s learn how to offer condolences in Spanish.
Table of Contents:
- ‘I’m Sorry’ in Spanish
- 9 Common Phrases to Offer Condolences in Spanish
- Comforting Words to Say When Someone Dies
- Condolences in Spanish: Vocabulary
- Say the Right Words By Learning Spanish
‘I’m Sorry’ in Spanish
There are many ways to offer your condolences in Spanish. First, let’s dive into the translations of the word “sorry.”
In Spanish, we use these words to describe lament, pain, grief, remorse, guilt, shame, regret, and contrition—and to apologize. So don’t be surprised if people use more than one word to express these feelings. The most common ones to offer condolences in Spanish are siento, lamento, and disculpa when using “sorry.”
Lo siento./ Lo lamento. / Discúlpame.
I’m sorry.
Él/ella lo siente.
He/she is sorry.
Discúlpame por no venir antes a ofrecerte mis condolencias.
I am sorry for not coming sooner to offer my condolences.
See also: Lo Siento! What It Really Means and How to Apologize in Spanish
9 Common Phrases to Offer Condolences in Spanish
To get your condolence message across, use common, simple phrases if you are there to pay your respects. In contrast, if you’re a close relative or friend, add words and phrases to make it more personal.
1. Mis condolencias.
My condolences.
2. Mi más sentido pésame.
My deepest condolences.
3. Lo siento mucho.
I’m very sorry.
4. Comparto tu dolor.
I share your pain
5. Que descanse en paz.
May s/he rest in peace.
6. Que esté con Dios.
May s/he be with God.
7. Me acabo de enterar, te acompaño en tu dolor.
I just heard; I accompany you in your pain.
8. Lamento su pérdida.
I’m sorry for your loss.
9. Mi pésame a ustedes y a su familia.
My condolences to you and your family.
Expand Your Knowledge: How to Express Your Deepest Regrets in Spanish
Comforting Words to Say When Someone Dies
Many ways of offering condolences exist in Spanish. If you want to say a little more, here are more elaborate examples of empathetic and comforting words.
¿Hay algo que pueda hacer?
Is there anything I can do?
¿Quieres que te traiga comida?
Do you want me to bring you food?
¿Quieres salir a tomar aire?
Do you want to go out to get some air?
¿Quieres que te acompañe o prefieres estar sola?
Do you want me to accompany you or do you prefer to be alone?
Márcame a la hora que sea si necesitas platicar.
Call me anytime if you need to talk.
Rezaré por ti y tu familia.
I’ll pray for you and your family.
No me imagino cómo te has de sentir, aquí estoy para lo que necesites.
I can’t imagine how you must feel, I am here for whatever you need.
For the Loss of a Mother
Losing a mother is one of the greatest pains of life. As we say in Mexico, madre sólo hay una (there is only one mother).
Lo sentimos muchísimo, tu mamá era una gran persona.
We are very sorry, your mom was a great person.
Ella era muy amable conmigo. Siempre tenía una sonrisa en la cara.
She was very kind to me. She always had a smile on her face.
Vamos a extrañar mucho a María. Era la vecina más cariñosa y cocinaba delicioso.
We will miss Maria dearly. She was the most loving neighbor and cooked delicious food.
Todos los días agradezco haber conocido a tu mamá.
I feel grateful every day for having known your mom .
Ella siempre va a estar con nosotros, en nuestra memoria y en el corazón.
She will always be with us, in our memories and in our hearts.
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For the Loss of a Father
When it comes to a loss of father in Hispanic countries, the way to offer condolences in Spanish is to add typically masculine traits such as “strong,” “disciplined,” or “responsible.”
Mis condolencias, él era un hombre muy responsable.
My condolences. He was a very responsible man.
Nuestro más sentido pésame, Juan era muy fuerte, un hombre admirable.
Our deepest condolences; Juan was very strong, an admirable man.
Qué pena que haya muerto. Todos aprendimos mucho de él, era un gran maestro.
What a pity he died. We all learned a lot from him, he was a great teacher.
Gracias a la dedicación de tu papá nunca le faltó nada a esta familia.
Thanks to your father’s dedication, this family never lacked anything.
Lo siento mucho, tu padre fue una persona muy respetada por todos.
I am deeply sorry, your father was highly respected by everyone.
For the Loss of a Pet
Meaningful sympathy messages aren’t exclusive to humans when it comes to grief. Pets are a key part of many families.
Here are some phrases to offer your condolences in Spanish to a grieving pet owner:
Siento mucho que Mati haya partido, estoy seguro de que fue muy feliz a tu lado.
I feel sorry that Mati is gone, I am sure that she was very happy by your side.
Motita era un gran perro y gracias a Dios vivió una vida larga y plena.
Motita was a great dog and thanks God he lived a long and full life.
Bunny siempre será un angelito en tu memoria y en el cielo.
Bunny will always be a little angel in your mind and in heaven.
Tommy fue una mascota grandiosa, toda la familia lo va a extrañar mucho.
Tommy was a great pet, he will be missed by all the family.
Condolences in Spanish: Vocabulary
Here’s a list so you can pinpoint the exact emotion you want to share:
| English | Spanish |
| comfort, solace | el consuelo |
| compassion | la compasión |
| concern | la preocupación |
| condolences | las condolencias, el pésame |
| consolation | la consolación |
| empathy | la empatía |
| feeling | el sentimiento |
| sorrow, pity | la pena |
| support | el apoyo |
| sympathy | el compadecimiento |
| understanding | el entendimiento |
The following vocabulary words are essential for times when you have a conversation about a deceased person.
| English | Spanish |
| burial | el entierro |
| ceremony | la ceremonia |
| church | la iglesia |
| crematorium | el crematorio |
| funeral | el funeral |
| grave | la tumba |
| passing | el fallecimiento |
| wake | el velorio |
Check out: ‘Rest in Peace’ in Spanish: Funeral & Cemetery Vocabulary
Say the Right Words By Learning Spanish
Get more proficient at offering your condolences in Spanish and improve your conversation skills starting today! Sure you can send cards, condolences images, and quotes for those grieving in Spanish, but it’s best to pay your respects by providing words of affection directly.
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