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What to say to someone whose family member has died?
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michfr -

What are some simple things to say in Mandarin to a relative or friend when someone has recently
passed away? Would it be different in the case of Christians, Buddhists, atheists?



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againstwind -

请节哀 jie2 ai1
This is a formal saying used by common people, including atheists.

Another may be 别太难过, which is more suitable for a relative or friend, I feel so.

I don't really know what Christians or Buddhists say in this situation.

For me, once hearing someone passed away, will I probably say nothing to my relatives or friends
but comfort them without words. Silent solace may be the best way, I think.










L-F-J -

~唵嘛呢叭咪吽~










michfr -

What is that in Pinyin and English?

Thanks.










L-F-J -

an- ma- ni- ba- mi- hong

its a chinese transliteration of the tibetan buddhist chant "om mani padme hum". i think every
buddhist probably is familiar with it.

it doesnt really have an exact english translation. its a buddhist chant recited after a
misfortune such as a death, wishing the deceased peace and less suffering to the loved ones.

rather than as a repeating chant, it can just be said once as a blessing. but this is between
buddhists and is usually pronounced in its original tibetan pronunciation. but these are the
chinese characters for it.










rose~ -

I also asked this question and had some useful answers.

Offering condolences

From Skylee:


Quote:

I think the most standard thing to say is (請)節哀順變. But I wouldn't say it to a friend as
it sounds so standard and uncaring. I think I would simply say 你還好吧？ / 不要太傷心 /
需要我幫忙嗎? etc.

From neverbt:


Quote:

请节哀，节哀顺便.












xiaocai -

From F-L-J:


Quote:

唵嘛呢叭咪吽

You must be kidding...

From rose~:


Quote:

请节哀，节哀顺便.

I think we usually write as 节哀顺变.










L-F-J -

thats L F J.

why kidding?










xiaocai -

Sorry, there might be something wrong with my browser... cause what I did was I just copy and
paste.

I don't know, just feel that it will be quite funny if anyone every says it in a funeral to the
family of the deceased.
Maybe somewhere else in China has this custom, but at least not in Sichuan.












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