Meaning
Expressing understanding and empathy for someone's feelings or situation.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects 'Ishin-denshin' (telepathy/heart-to-heart), where verbalizing everything is seen as unnecessary or even rude. Understanding through silence is a high virtue. It acts as a 'cushion word' (Kushon kotoba). It softens the impact of business negotiations by acknowledging the other party's stress first. In news reporting, anchors use this to maintain a neutral yet empathetic stance toward victims, avoiding overly emotional language. Because it is Kenjougo (humble), it is technically the speaker lowering themselves. This makes it very safe to use toward superiors.
The 'Shinchuu' Combo
Pairing this with '{心中|しんちゅう}' (inner heart) is the gold standard for funerals. It shows you aren't just looking at their face, but their soul.
Don't be a Robot
While formal, your tone should still carry warmth. If said too flatly, it can sound like you're just following a script without caring.
Meaning
Expressing understanding and empathy for someone's feelings or situation.
The 'Shinchuu' Combo
Pairing this with '{心中|しんちゅう}' (inner heart) is the gold standard for funerals. It shows you aren't just looking at their face, but their soul.
Don't be a Robot
While formal, your tone should still carry warmth. If said too flatly, it can sound like you're just following a script without caring.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct humble form to complete the formal sympathy phrase.
ご{心中|しんちゅう}、お[ ]いたします。
The set phrase is '{お察|おさっ}しいたします'.
Choose the most appropriate situation to use '{お察|おさっ}しいたします'.
Which situation fits this phrase?
This phrase is for formal sympathy during misfortunes.
Complete the dialogue between a client and a provider.
Client: '{急|いそ}ぎの{仕事|しごと}が{重|かさ}なってしまい、{返信|へんしん}が{遅|おく}れました。' Provider: 'さぞご[ ]のことと{お察|おさっ}しいたします。'
The client said they are busy with urgent work, so '{多忙|たぼう}' (busy) is the correct context.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesご{心中|しんちゅう}、お[ ]いたします。
The set phrase is '{お察|おさっ}しいたします'.
Which situation fits this phrase?
This phrase is for formal sympathy during misfortunes.
Client: '{急|いそ}ぎの{仕事|しごと}が{重|かさ}なってしまい、{返信|へんしん}が{遅|おく}れました。' Provider: 'さぞご[ ]のことと{お察|おさっ}しいたします。'
The client said they are busy with urgent work, so '{多忙|たぼう}' (busy) is the correct context.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is very appropriate if your teacher is going through a hard time or is extremely busy.
Yes! That's the beauty of it. It acknowledges they are in a 'situation' without forcing them to explain it.
'Zannen desu' means 'That's a pity' and focuses on the event. '{お察|おさっ}しいたします' focuses on the person's feelings.
Related Phrases
ご{同情|どうじょう}申し上げます
similarI offer my sympathy.
{心中|しんちゅう}お{察|おさっ}しします
specialized formI sympathize with your heart.
お{気持|きも}ちはわかります
synonymI understand your feelings.
{同感|どうかん}です
contrastI agree / I feel the same.
