My deepest condolences to you and your family in Spanish

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While it probably seems like a morbid topic to discuss, unfortunately, there may be a time when you need to know to express condolences in Spanish.

As a non-native Spanish speaker, there’s always a risk of being one bad translation away from an awkward moment.

So in this post, we’ll cover common phrases to express your condolences to the family or friend who has lost a loved one.

Condolences in Spanish: Common Phrases

As you’ll notice, some of the phrases we list are similar to what you would say in English.

You just need to choose which one is more appropriate for each scenario.

1) Lo siento or Lo siento mucho

Lo siento is probably the most common way to express condolences in Spanish, as it’s the English equivalent of “I’m sorry”.

For more emphasis, you could say lo siento mucho, which would translate to “I’m really sorry”.

Below are other, possible combinations.

• I’m so sorry for your grandmother  – Siento mucho lo de tu/su abuela
• I’m so sorry that your grandmother has passed away – Siento mucho que tu/su abuela haya fallecido
• I’m sorry for your loss – Siento mucho tu/su pérdida

2) Lo lamento

This one comes from the verb “to regret” (lamentar), and is similar to lo siento, but its emotional load is greater, which is probably why it is generally less used.

In other words, use this if the message of sympathy or condolence you want to send is much more emotional.

Possible combinations:

• I’m sorry for your loss – Lamento tu/su pérdida
• I’m sorry for your grandfather’s death – Lamento la muerte de tu/su (abuelo, abuela, tío, etc)

3) Mi sentido pésame – Mis sentidas condolencias

This one is the equivalent to “my dearest condolences” and is only used at funerals, normally when speaking to the family who has lost that loved one.

4) Acabo de enterarme de esta triste noticia

When you find out that something bad happened, you can start expressing your condolences with the “I just heard this sad news”.

5) Te acompaño en este momento de dolor

Another very common phrase, which means “I’m with you in this moment of grief”, and is normally used when sending condolences for the loss of a relative.

Recommended: How to Learn Spanish Fast in 2022

6) Lamento mucho la muerte de…

A bit more direct, but also very commonly used. This one translates to “I am very sorry for the death of …”

7) Fué una gran persona

Following the previous sentence, you can use this one as a simple way to pay your respects. It means “he/she was a great person”.

8) Puedes contar conmigo para lo que necesites

This phrase is more likely to be used if you are close with the grieving family or person, since it means “you can count on me for whatever you need”.

9) ¿Necesitas que te ayude con..?

When somebody is going through a tough time, it’s always a good idea to offer to help them.

¿Necesitas que te ayude con..? – Do you need me to help you with …?

10) En este momento tan difícil que estas viviendo, sabes que cuentas con mi apoyo

This last phrase is a respectful way to show your support for the person who is going through a bad time. This one translates to “In this difficult time you are living, you know that you can count on my support”

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: 

The following vocabulary words are essential for times when you have a conversation about a deceased person.

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.

Learning Spanish is a stellar idea. According to The Economist, you can earn from $50,000 to $125,000 extra by learning a second language, and you can land a job as an interpreter or translator. 

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Blogger, content creator, and marketer. Proudly Mexican. Been to 30 countries. I love learning from different cultures and trying their cuisines. Obsessed with Asia. Fluent in Spanish and English, not so much in French.