1.
condolence; words of sympathy
An expression of sympathy offered to someone who has lost a loved one. The お prefix makes it polite. Used both as a noun and in set phrases when offering condolences.
お悔やみを申し上げます。
I offer my condolences.
友人の家族にお悔やみの手紙を書いた。
I wrote a letter of condolence to my friend's family.
突然の訃報に接し、心よりお悔やみを申し上げます。
Upon receiving the sudden news of the passing, I offer my heartfelt condolences.
FORMALITY:
お悔やみ is inherently polite due to the お prefix. The most common set phrase is お悔やみを申し上げます, a formal expression used at funerals and in writing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- お悔やみを申し上げる (to offer condolences — formal)
- お悔やみの言葉 (words of condolence)
- お悔やみの手紙 (condolence letter)
- お悔やみを述べる (to express condolences)