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A2 noun 9 min read

condolências

Examples Notes & Tips condolências in 30 Seconds
Explanation condolências in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to interact in social situations. While 'condolências' is a big word, you might hear it in movies or see it on a card. At this stage, you should know that it is a very serious word used when someone dies. It is like saying 'I am sorry' in a very formal way. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember that it is always plural ('condolências') and it is a polite thing to say. If someone says it to you, they are being very kind and respectful. You can simply respond with 'Obrigado' (Thank you). Think of it as a special word for a sad time. It is important to recognize it so you know when a situation is serious. Even though it is an A2 word, knowing it at A1 helps you understand the culture better. You will see it mostly in writing. It is a feminine word, so we use 'as' with it. 'As condolências' is the basic form. Learning this word early shows you respect Portuguese traditions. It is one of those words that sounds similar to English ('condolences'), which makes it easier to remember. Just remember to keep your voice low and respectful when you hear or say it.
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'condolências' in simple, set phrases. This word is essential for basic social etiquette. You should know how to pair it with 'minhas' (my) or 'nossas' (our). For example, 'Minhas condolências' is a complete and correct way to express sympathy at this level. You are moving beyond just 'sinto muito' and starting to use more specific vocabulary. You should also understand that this word is used for death and not for small problems. If a friend loses their job, you wouldn't use 'condolências'; you would use 'sinto muito.' But if they lose a family member, 'condolências' is perfect. You can also start using the verb 'dar' (to give), as in 'Vou dar as condolências à Maria.' At this level, you are expected to know the difference between formal and informal situations. 'Condolências' is your formal tool. It is a feminine plural noun, so pay attention to the 'as' and 's' at the end. It's a great word to have in your 'emergency' vocabulary for when you need to be polite in a difficult situation. Practice saying it clearly: con-do-LÊN-ci-as. The stress is on the third syllable. Being able to use this word correctly makes you sound much more mature and respectful in Portuguese.
At the B1 level, you can start to integrate 'condolências' into more complex sentence structures. You should be comfortable using verbs like 'apresentar' (to present) or 'expressar' (to express). For example: 'Quero apresentar as minhas sinceras condolências pela sua perda.' This shows a higher level of fluency because you are using a formal verb and an adjective together. You should also be able to write a short, respectful note or email using this word. At B1, you understand the cultural nuance that 'condolências' is more formal than 'pêsames.' You might choose 'condolências' for a business contact and 'pêsames' for a neighbor. You are also learning to use prepositions correctly with this word, such as 'condolências A alguém' or 'condolências PELA morte de alguém.' You can also use it in the passive voice or in reported speech, like 'Ele enviou condolências à família.' This level is about expanding the context. You might see this word in a newspaper article or a formal announcement and understand exactly the level of respect being shown. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for navigating social hierarchies and formal protocols. You are becoming more sensitive to the 'register' of the language—knowing when to be formal and when to be casual.
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At the B2 level, you use 'condolências' with complete confidence and nuance. You understand that it is part of a wider semantic field of grief, including words like 'pesar,' 'luto,' and 'comiseração.' You can use advanced adjectives to modify it, such as 'profundas' (deep), 'sentidas' (heartfelt), or 'inevitáveis' (inevitable). You are capable of writing a formal letter of condolence that follows all the cultural norms of a Lusophone country. For example, 'É com enorme pesar que apresentamos as nossas mais profundas condolências a toda a família enlutada.' This sentence uses high-level vocabulary and correct social formulas. You also understand the diplomatic and public use of the word. If you are reading a political speech or a formal statement from a company, you recognize 'condolências' as a standard part of professional empathy. You can also discuss the word itself, explaining its Latin roots and how it differs from similar words in other languages. At this level, your pronunciation should be perfect, including the nasal 'on' and 'ên' sounds. You are also aware of the regional differences; for instance, how the word might be used slightly differently in Lisbon versus São Paulo. You are not just using the word; you are using it to build and maintain professional and personal relationships during sensitive times.
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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'condolências.' You can use it in literary or highly academic contexts. You might encounter it in 19th-century Portuguese literature or in modern philosophical essays about death and society. You understand the subtle emotional distance the word can create—sometimes it is used precisely because it is formal and provides a structured way to handle an overwhelming emotion. You can use it in complex grammatical constructions, such as 'As condolências, ainda que sinceras, pareciam insuficientes perante tamanha tragédia.' (The condolences, though sincere, seemed insufficient in the face of such tragedy). You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its place in the 'ceremonial' language of Portuguese. You can distinguish between 'dar as condolências' as a social duty and 'expressar condolências' as a personal act of empathy. Your writing in formal contexts is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, using 'condolências' as part of a seamless, respectful flow of ideas. You also understand how the word interacts with other high-level concepts like 'dignidade' (dignity) and 'respeito' (respect). At this level, you can even use the word in a slightly ironic or metaphorical sense in very specific literary contexts, though its primary use remains solemn.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'condolências' and all its implications. You understand the word not just as a unit of meaning, but as a cultural artifact. You can navigate the most delicate social situations with ease, choosing exactly when to use 'condolências' versus 'pêsames' or 'sentimentos' to achieve a specific interpersonal effect. You can analyze the use of the word in classical Portuguese oratory or contemporary legal and diplomatic documents. You understand the rhythm and prosody of the word within a sentence, ensuring that your delivery of a message of sympathy carries the appropriate weight and cadence. You are familiar with the rare singular usage in legal or technical linguistic discussions, though you know never to use it in speech. You can also translate the word into other languages while preserving its specific formal 'weight,' which is often different from the English 'condolences.' Your understanding is holistic, encompassing the etymological, social, grammatical, and emotional dimensions of the word. You could teach a seminar on the language of mourning in the Lusophone world, with 'condolências' as a central theme. For you, the word is a flexible tool that you can use to express the deepest human connections in the most refined and culturally appropriate manner.
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Examples Notes & Tips

condolências in 30 Seconds

  • A formal Portuguese noun used to express sympathy for a death.
  • Always used in the plural form: 'condolências'.
  • More formal than 'pêsames', making it ideal for cards and business.
  • Commonly paired with the verb 'apresentar' (to present).
The Portuguese word condolências is a formal and deeply respectful noun used to express sympathy, particularly in the context of death or profound loss. Derived from the Latin condolere, which literally means 'to suffer with,' the term implies a shared emotional burden between the speaker and the bereaved. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, acknowledging a loss is a critical social ritual, and using the right vocabulary demonstrates not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural empathy. Unlike the English 'I am sorry,' which can be used for minor inconveniences, condolências is strictly reserved for solemn occasions. It is almost always used in the plural form. When you offer your condolências, you are participating in a long-standing tradition of communal mourning that is prevalent in Portugal, Brazil, and other Lusophone nations.
Grammatical Category
Feminine Plural Noun. While the singular 'condolência' exists theoretically, it is virtually never used in practice; one always offers 'condolências' in the plural.

Quero expressar as minhas mais profundas condolências a você e à sua família neste momento difícil.

Understanding the weight of this word involves recognizing the Latin prefix 'con-' (with) and 'dolere' (pain). It is an invitation to stand beside someone in their grief. In a business context, if a colleague loses a family member, an email starting with 'As nossas condolências' is the most appropriate and professional way to address the situation. It bridges the gap between professional distance and human kindness. The word is also frequently paired with adjectives like 'sinceras' (sincere), 'profundas' (deep), or 'sentidas' (heartfelt), which serve to amplify the intensity of the sentiment. In the Lusophone world, the act of giving condolências is often accompanied by a firm handshake or a gentle hug, depending on the level of intimacy. It is a word that carries the silence of a funeral home and the dignity of a formal letter. Using it correctly marks a transition from basic language skills to an understanding of the emotional landscape of the Portuguese-speaking world.
Using condolências correctly requires pairing it with specific verbs that denote the act of giving or presenting. The most common verb is apresentar (to present). You will often hear the phrase 'apresentar as minhas condolências.' Other verbs include expressar (to express), enviar (to send), and dar (to give). In a formal letter, one might write: 'Venho por este meio apresentar as minhas sinceras condolências pelo falecimento de seu pai.' This structure is standard for formal correspondence.
Common Verb Pairings
Apresentar, Expressar, Enviar, Aceitar, Receber. Example: 'Por favor, aceite as minhas condolências.'

O embaixador enviou uma mensagem de condolências oficial ao governo estrangeiro.

When speaking to a group, you would use 'nossas' (our). For example, 'As nossas condolências a toda a família.' It is important to note that the word is rarely used in isolation; it almost always appears within a complete, respectful sentence. In Brazilian Portuguese, you might find it slightly more common in written form than in spoken form, where 'meus pêsames' is a very strong competitor. However, in Portugal, 'condolências' maintains a very high frequency in both spoken and written formal contexts. If you are writing a card, a simple and powerful sentence is: 'Com as nossas mais sinceras condolências.' This avoids the need for a complex verb structure while maintaining a high level of respect. Another aspect of usage is the preposition 'por' or 'pelo/pela' to indicate the reason for the sympathy. 'Condolências pela perda' (condolences for the loss) is a very natural phrasing. By mastering these sentence patterns, a learner can navigate the delicate social requirements of a funeral or a period of mourning with grace. The word acts as a linguistic bridge, allowing you to show support without needing to find complex words for grief, which is difficult even for native speakers. It is a 'set phrase' word, meaning it functions best when used in these established patterns rather than being experimented with in creative ways.
You will encounter condolências in several specific environments. The most obvious is at a velório (wake) or funeral. When approaching the family of the deceased, it is customary to say, 'As minhas condolências.' In the media, news anchors use it when reporting on the death of a public figure or a national tragedy. You will hear phrases like 'O Presidente da República apresentou as suas condolências às vítimas.' This word is the currency of formal empathy in the public sphere.
Media Usage
Commonly found in 'obituários' (obituaries) and 'notas de falecimento' (death notices) in newspapers like Público or Folha de S.Paulo.

Durante o telejornal, o apresentador ofereceu as condolências da emissora à família do artista.

In literature, the word is used to set a somber mood or to describe the social interactions surrounding a character's death. It is a word of the 'high' register, meaning it elevates the conversation. You might also see it on sympathy cards sold in bookstores, often embossed in gold or silver. In religious settings, during a mass or a memorial service, the priest or minister may use the word when addressing the congregation. It is also a key term in diplomatic language. When a head of state dies, the international community sends 'mensagens de condolências.' This highlights the word's role in formal protocols. For a learner, hearing this word is a signal to adopt a serious and respectful demeanor. It is not a word for small talk or casual conversation. It is a word that stops the clock, acknowledging a significant life event. Even if you don't say it yourself, being able to recognize it allows you to understand the gravity of a situation in a movie, a book, or a real-life encounter. In the digital age, you will also see it in the comments sections of social media posts when someone announces a passing. Even in the relatively informal world of the internet, condolências remains a preferred term for showing genuine respect.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using condolências for minor mishaps. In English, we might say 'I'm sorry you lost your keys,' but in Portuguese, you would never say 'Minhas condolências por perder as chaves.' This would sound sarcastic or highly dramatic. Another mistake is using the singular 'condolência.' While it is a noun, it functions as a collective expression of sympathy, and using the singular sounds unnatural and grammatically 'off' to a native ear.
Gender and Number
Mistake: 'Meu condolência' (Wrong gender and number). Correct: 'Minhas condolências' (Feminine plural).

Não diga apenas 'Condolências'; use o artigo: 'As minhas condolências'.

Another nuance is the confusion between condolências and 'pêsames.' While they are synonyms, 'pêsames' is slightly more common in everyday speech, whereas 'condolências' is more common in writing or extremely formal speech. Using 'condolências' in a very casual setting with a close friend might feel a bit too stiff or distant; in that case, 'sinto muito' or 'meus pêsames' might be better. However, you can never go 'wrong' with condolências in terms of being respectful—it just might be a bit formal. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget the preposition. It's 'condolências PARA alguém' (condolences TO someone) or 'condolências PELA perda' (condolences FOR the loss). Mixing these up can obscure your meaning. Lastly, avoid the mistake of translating 'I'm sorry' literally as 'estou arrependido' in this context. 'Estou arrependido' means 'I am regretful' (for something you did wrong). To express sympathy for someone else's pain, condolências is the appropriate formal choice. Paying attention to these details will ensure that your message of support is received with the sincerity and respect you intend.
To truly master the vocabulary of sympathy in Portuguese, it is helpful to compare condolências with its close relatives. The most common alternative is pêsames. While 'condolências' comes from the idea of suffering together, 'pêsames' comes from the verb pesar (to weigh/to grieve). 'Meus pêsames' is the most standard spoken phrase at a funeral. Another common term is sentimentos (feelings). Saying 'Os meus sentimentos' is a very soft and kind way to express sympathy, widely used in both Portugal and Brazil. It is slightly less formal than 'condolências' but more formal than 'sinto muito.'
Comparison: Condolências vs. Pêsames
Condolências: More formal, academic, and written. Pêsames: More traditional, spoken, and standard for direct interaction.

Muitas pessoas preferem dizer 'os meus sentimentos' por ser uma expressão mais calorosa.

Other words include compaixão (compassion) and solidariedade (solidarity). While these aren't direct synonyms for 'condolences,' they are often used in the same context to show support. For instance, 'Toda a minha solidariedade neste momento' (All my solidarity in this moment). In more poetic or literary contexts, you might find luto (mourning) or lástima (pity/sorrow), though 'lástima' can sometimes carry a negative connotation of 'what a shame.' For a learner, having this palette of words—condolências, pêsames, sentimentos, and pesar—allows for a more nuanced expression of empathy. You can choose the word that best fits the relationship you have with the person. If it's a boss or a dignitary, use 'condolências.' If it's a neighbor or an acquaintance, 'pêsames' or 'sentimentos' works perfectly. If it's a very close friend, a simple 'sinto muito' (I'm so sorry) accompanied by a hug is often enough. Understanding these distinctions is a sign of high-level cultural integration and sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Venho por este meio apresentar as minhas mais sinceras condolências à família."

Neutral

"Minhas condolências pela sua perda."

Informal

"Meus pêsames, sinto muito mesmo."

Child friendly

"Estamos muito tristes por você e mandamos um abraço de carinho."

Slang

"Força aí, mano."

Fun Fact

The word emphasizes the 'sharing' of pain, suggesting that grief is a communal experience rather than a solitary one.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kõ.du.ˈlẽ.sjɐs/
US /kõ.du.ˈlẽ.sjəs/
The stress is on the third syllable: con-do-LÊN-ci-as.
Rhymes With
ciências paciências excelências experiências vivências audiências consequências presidências
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'n' in 'con' too clearly (it should just nasalize the vowel).
  • Ignoring the plural 's'.
  • Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., condoLÊNcias instead of condoLÊNcias - wait, actually the stress is on the penult in some regions, but usually the 'lên' is the tonic syllable).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like the English 'condolences'.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal verb pairings like 'apresentar'.

Speaking 5/5

Nasal vowels and formal tone make it tricky to deliver naturally.

Listening 3/5

Clearly distinguishable in a quiet, formal setting.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

morte triste família sentir perda

Learn Next

pêsames falecimento enlutada velório funeral

Advanced

comiseração consternação pesaroso infausto óbito

Grammar to Know

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in 'condolências' is a nasal vowel produced by air escaping through the nose and mouth simultaneously.

Feminine Plural Agreement

'As minhas sinceras condolências' - everything must be feminine and plural.

Contractions with 'A'

'Condolências à família' (a + a = à).

Preposition 'Por'

'Condolências pela (por + a) perda.'

Formal Imperative

'Aceite' (from aceitar) is the formal imperative used with 'você'.

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Examples by Level

1

As minhas condolências.

My condolences.

'As' is the feminine plural article.

2

Receba as minhas condolências.

Receive my condolences.

'Receba' is the imperative form of the verb 'receber'.

3

Condolências à família.

Condolences to the family.

'À' is the contraction of 'a' (to) + 'a' (the).

4

Sinceras condolências.

Sincere condolences.

'Sinceras' is an adjective that must agree with the feminine plural noun.

5

Aceite as nossas condolências.

Accept our condolences.

'Nossas' is the possessive pronoun for 'our'.

6

Envio as minhas condolências.

I send my condolences.

'Envio' is the first-person singular present tense of 'enviar'.

7

Muitas condolências.

Many condolences.

'Muitas' is a quantifier used for plural nouns.

8

Condolências pela perda.

Condolences for the loss.

'Pela' is the contraction of 'por' (for) + 'a' (the).

1

Quero dar as minhas condolências.

I want to give my condolences.

'Quero dar' is a common verb phrase for intentions.

2

Onde posso deixar as minhas condolências?

Where can I leave my condolences?

'Deixar' means 'to leave'.

3

Ela recebeu muitas mensagens de condolências.

She received many messages of condolences.

'De condolências' functions as an adjective phrase.

4

Nós apresentamos as nossas condolências ontem.

We presented our condolences yesterday.

'Apresentamos' is the past tense (pretérito perfeito).

5

É importante dar as condolências pessoalmente.

It is important to give condolences in person.

'Pessoalmente' is an adverb.

6

O chefe enviou condolências à funcionária.

The boss sent condolences to the employee.

Formal workplace interaction.

7

Sinceras condolências pelo falecimento do seu amigo.

Sincere condolences on the passing of your friend.

'Pelo' is used for the cause of the sympathy.

8

Eles escreveram uma nota de condolências.

They wrote a note of condolences.

'Nota' means 'note'.

1

Venho apresentar as minhas mais profundas condolências.

I come to present my deepest condolences.

'Mais profundas' is the superlative form.

2

O livro de condolências está aberto ao público.

The book of condolences is open to the public.

'Aberto ao público' is a standard phrase.

3

Agradecemos todas as mensagens de condolências recebidas.

We thank you for all the condolence messages received.

'Agradecemos' is the verb 'to thank'.

4

Ele não soube como expressar as suas condolências.

He didn't know how to express his condolences.

'Soube' is the past tense of 'saber' (to know).

5

As condolências foram lidas durante a cerimônia.

The condolences were read during the ceremony.

Passive voice construction.

6

Sinto que devo enviar as minhas condolências à família dele.

I feel that I should send my condolences to his family.

'Devo' expresses obligation.

7

Foi um gesto nobre apresentar as condolências tão cedo.

It was a noble gesture to present condolences so early.

'Gesto nobre' is a high-level adjective phrase.

8

As condolências oficiais chegaram de vários países.

Official condolences arrived from several countries.

'Oficiais' agrees with 'condolências'.

1

A empresa emitiu um comunicado de condolências à família do diretor.

The company issued a statement of condolences to the director's family.

'Emitiu um comunicado' is professional terminology.

2

Apesar da distância, fiz questão de enviar as minhas condolências.

Despite the distance, I made a point of sending my condolences.

'Fiz questão de' means 'I insisted on'.

3

As condolências de Estado foram transmitidas via rádio.

The State condolences were broadcast via radio.

'De Estado' refers to the government.

4

É difícil encontrar as palavras certas, mas aceite as minhas condolências.

It's hard to find the right words, but accept my condolences.

Complex introductory clause.

5

As suas condolências trouxeram algum conforto à viúva.

Your condolences brought some comfort to the widow.

'Viúva' means 'widow'.

6

Ele redigiu uma carta de condolências muito emocionante.

He drafted a very moving letter of condolences.

'Redigiu' is a formal verb for 'wrote/drafted'.

7

As condolências foram entregues pessoalmente pelo embaixador.

The condolences were delivered in person by the ambassador.

'Pelo' indicates the agent in the passive voice.

8

Não faltaram mensagens de condolências nas redes sociais.

There was no shortage of condolence messages on social media.

'Não faltaram' is an idiomatic way to say 'there were plenty'.

1

A sobriedade com que apresentou as condolências foi admirável.

The sobriety with which he presented the condolences was admirable.

'Com que' is a relative pronoun structure.

2

As condolências serviram como um bálsamo para a dor da família.

The condolences served as a balm for the family's pain.

Literary metaphor.

3

O protocolo exige que as condolências sejam enviadas em 24 horas.

The protocol requires that condolences be sent within 24 hours.

Subjunctive mood ('sejam').

4

Suas condolências, embora formais, denotavam uma amizade profunda.

His condolences, though formal, denoted a deep friendship.

'Embora' introduces a concessive clause.

5

A efusividade não tem lugar num momento de condolências.

Effusiveness has no place in a moment of condolences.

Abstract noun 'efusividade'.

6

Ele declinou as condolências, preferindo o isolamento do luto.

He declined the condolences, preferring the isolation of mourning.

'Declinou' is a very formal verb for 'refused'.

7

As condolências por escrito guardam uma solenidade que as palavras ditas perdem.

Written condolences retain a solemnity that spoken words lose.

'Guardam' here means 'retain' or 'keep'.

8

Houve um fluxo incessante de condolências vindas de todos os quadrantes.

There was an incessant flow of condolences coming from all quarters.

'Incessante' and 'quadrantes' are C1 vocabulary.

1

A retórica das condolências oficiais muitas vezes oculta a frieza institucional.

The rhetoric of official condolences often hides institutional coldness.

Philosophical/Critical tone.

2

Em sua obra, o autor desconstrói o ato de oferecer condolências como mera convenção.

In his work, the author deconstructs the act of offering condolences as mere convention.

'Desconstrói' is academic terminology.

3

As condolências transpareciam uma hipocrisia que não passou despercebida.

The condolences revealed a hypocrisy that did not go unnoticed.

'Transpareciam' means 'showed through/revealed'.

4

A ritualística das condolências varia drasticamente entre as regiões do país.

The ritualistic nature of condolences varies drastically between the country's regions.

'Ritualística' is a specialized noun.

5

O silêncio que se seguiu às condolências foi mais eloquente do que qualquer discurso.

The silence that followed the condolences was more eloquent than any speech.

'Eloquente' used metaphorically.

6

Não se deve confundir a etiqueta das condolências com a verdadeira empatia.

One should not confuse the etiquette of condolences with true empathy.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

7

As condolências foram vazadas em termos de uma erudição quase excessiva.

The condolences were expressed in terms of almost excessive erudition.

'Vazadas' here refers to the way language is shaped/expressed.

8

A brevidade das condolências foi interpretada como um sinal de desdém.

The brevity of the condolences was interpreted as a sign of disdain.

'Desdém' means 'disdain/scorn'.

Common Collocations

apresentar condolências
sinceras condolências
profundas condolências
mensagem de condolências
livro de condolências
enviar condolências
expressar condolências
receber condolências
nota de condolências
aceitar condolências

Common Phrases

As minhas condolências.

— The most standard way to say 'My condolences'.

As minhas condolências pelo seu pai.

Sinceras condolências.

— A slightly more emphasized version of sympathy.

Sinceras condolências a todos os familiares.

Condolências à família enlutada.

— Specifically addressing the family in mourning.

O clube enviou condolências à família enlutada.

Em sinal de condolências.

— Doing something as a sign of sympathy.

As bandeiras estão a meia-haste em sinal de condolências.

Apresentar pêsames e condolências.

— Using both terms for maximum formality.

Viemos apresentar pêsames e condolências.

Uma palavra de condolências.

— A brief message of sympathy.

Queria apenas deixar uma palavra de condolências.

Cartão de condolências.

— A sympathy card.

Comprei um cartão de condolências na livraria.

Visita de condolências.

— A visit made to express sympathy.

Fizemos uma visita de condolências no domingo.

Telefone de condolências.

— A call made to express sympathy.

Recebi muitos telefonemas de condolências.

Condolências oficiais.

— Sympathy expressed by an organization or state.

As condolências oficiais foram publicadas no Diário da República.

Often Confused With

condolências vs congratulações

Means congratulations; used for happy events.

condolências vs convalescença

Means recovery from illness; sounds similar but unrelated.

condolências vs condescendência

Means condescension; a false cognate of sorts.

Idioms & Expressions

"dar os pêsames"

— The idiomatic way to say 'to offer condolences' in person.

Fui ao velório dar os pêsames.

Standard
"estar de luto"

— To be in mourning.

A família ainda está de luto.

Standard
"coração pesado"

— To have a heavy heart (sadness).

Estou com o coração pesado hoje.

Informal
"sentir muito"

— To be very sorry (general sympathy).

Sinto muito pela sua perda.

Neutral
"partir o coração"

— To break someone's heart.

Aquela notícia partiu-me o coração.

Informal
"pôr-se no lugar de"

— To put oneself in someone else's shoes.

Tento pôr-me no lugar dele para entender a dor.

Neutral
"dar força"

— To give strength/support to someone.

Estamos aqui para te dar força.

Informal
"descansar em paz"

— Rest in peace.

Que ele descanse em paz.

Formal/Religious
"passar desta para melhor"

— A euphemism for dying (to pass away).

Infelizmente, ele passou desta para melhor.

Informal
"fechar os olhos"

— A euphemism for dying (to close one's eyes forever).

Ele fechou os olhos rodeado pela família.

Literary

Easily Confused

condolências vs pêsames

They both mean condolences.

Pêsames is more common in speech; condolências is more formal and common in writing.

Dê-lhe os meus pêsames. / O embaixador enviou condolências.

condolências vs sentimentos

Both express sympathy.

Sentimentos is warmer and slightly less formal than condolências.

Os meus sentimentos. / Aceite as minhas condolências.

condolências vs pesar

Both relate to grief.

Pesar is a noun meaning 'sorrow' or 'grief', often used in 'nota de pesar'.

Sinto um grande pesar. / Apresento as minhas condolências.

condolências vs pena

Both relate to feeling bad for someone.

Pena means 'pity' and can sometimes sound patronizing. Condolências is always respectful.

Tenho pena dele. (I pity him) / Minhas condolências. (Respectful sympathy)

condolências vs arrependimento

Learners think 'I'm sorry' = 'arrependimento'.

Arrependimento is regret for one's own actions. Condolências is sympathy for someone else's loss.

Sinto arrependimento pelo que fiz. / Minhas condolências pela sua perda.

Sentence Patterns

A2

Minhas condolências por [Noun].

Minhas condolências por sua avó.

A2

As minhas condolências à [Person].

As minhas condolências à sua mãe.

B1

Quero apresentar as minhas condolências.

Quero apresentar as minhas condolências pessoalmente.

B1

Aceite as nossas sinceras condolências.

Aceite as nossas sinceras condolências neste dia difícil.

B2

É com pesar que envio as minhas condolências.

É com pesar que envio as minhas condolências a todos.

B2

Apresentamos condolências pelo falecimento de [Name].

Apresentamos condolências pelo falecimento de João Silva.

C1

As condolências foram manifestadas através de [Means].

As condolências foram manifestadas através de uma carta aberta.

C1

Resta-nos oferecer as mais sentidas condolências.

Resta-nos oferecer as mais sentidas condolências à família enlutada.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

High in specific contexts (death/mourning)

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Con' (with) + 'Dole' (like the English word 'doleful' or 'dolorous' meaning sad). You are 'with the sad person'.

Visual Association

Imagine a formal black card with the word 'Condolências' written in silver ink. This associates the word with its formal, written context.

Word Web

morte funeral pêsames sinceras profundas família tristeza respeito

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence formal email to a hypothetical colleague who lost a pet, using 'condolências' in the first sentence.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'condolere', which is composed of 'con-' (together) and 'dolere' (to suffer/feel pain).

Original meaning: To suffer together with someone.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Never use this word in a lighthearted or joking way. It is strictly for serious loss.

In English, 'condolences' is also formal, but 'I'm sorry for your loss' is more common. In Portuguese, you need 'condolências' or 'pêsames' to sound natural in a formal setting.

'Condolências' is a title of several poems in Portuguese literature dealing with grief. Official 'notas de condolências' are issued by the Academia Brasileira de Letras when a member passes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a funeral home (Velório)

  • As minhas condolências.
  • Sinto muito pela sua perda.
  • Muita força para a família.
  • Estamos aqui para o que precisar.

Writing a sympathy card

  • Com as nossas mais sinceras condolências.
  • Em memória de (Name).
  • Os nossos pensamentos estão convosco.
  • Que as memórias tragam conforto.

Business Email

  • Em nome da empresa, apresentamos as nossas condolências.
  • Lamentamos profundamente o falecimento.
  • Estamos à disposição para ajudar neste momento.
  • Nossos sentimentos à família e amigos.

Reading the news

  • O governo emitiu uma nota de condolências.
  • Líderes mundiais enviaram condolências.
  • O país está em luto nacional.
  • As condolências multiplicam-se nas redes sociais.

Social Media

  • Meus sentimentos.
  • Descanse em paz.
  • Minhas condolências a todos.
  • Que Deus conforte o coração da família.

Conversation Starters

"Como se diz 'condolences' de forma formal em português?"

"Você já teve que assinar um livro de condolências?"

"Qual a diferença entre pêsames e condolências para você?"

"É comum enviar flores com uma nota de condolências no seu país?"

"Como podemos expressar condolências sem parecer muito frios?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve que dar condolências a alguém.

Como você se sente ao usar palavras formais como 'condolências'?

Descreva a importância de rituais como o envio de mensagens de condolências.

Quais são as palavras que mais te confortam em momentos de tristeza?

Compare como as condolências são expressas na sua cultura e na cultura lusófona.

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

Technically yes, but in practice, no. Native speakers always use the plural 'condolências' when offering sympathy. Using the singular sounds like a grammatical error or a very technical linguistic reference.

It can be, but it might sound a bit too formal. For a pet, 'Sinto muito' or 'Meus sentimentos' is usually more appropriate, although 'condolências' isn't strictly wrong.

The most common and appropriate response is a simple 'Obrigado' (male) or 'Obrigada' (female). You can also say 'Agradeço as suas palavras' (I appreciate your words).

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries. The usage is very similar, though Portugal tends to be slightly more formal in general social interactions.

In a text, you can be slightly less formal: 'Meus sentimentos' or 'Sinto muito pel

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