Expressing sympathy and condolences is an important part of human interaction, especially during times of grief. In Ukrainian, there are several phrases and words used to convey these sentiments. Understanding them can help English speakers connect more deeply with Ukrainian-speaking friends and acquaintances during challenging times. Here, we will explore some of the most commonly used expressions.
Співчуття (Sympathy)
This noun is used to express general sympathy.
Прийміть мої найщиріші співчуття у зв’язку з вашою втратою.
Співчуваю (I sympathize)
This verb is used to directly tell someone that you are sympathetic towards their situation.
Я дуже співчуваю вам у цей важкий час.
Сумувати (To mourn)
This verb is used to describe the act of mourning.
Вони сумують за своїм дідусем, який нещодавно помер.
Скорбота (Sorrow)
This noun describes a feeling of deep distress caused by loss.
Скорбота наповнила їхні серця після новин про смерть.
Підтримка (Support)
This noun refers to the assistance offered to someone, especially during difficult times.
Дякую за вашу підтримку в цей складний період.
Співчутливий (Compassionate)
This adjective describes someone who has or shows sympathy and concern for others.
Ваш співчутливий жест допоміг нам пережити ці труднощі.
Висловлювати співчуття (To express sympathy)
This phrase is used when someone wants to show their sympathy.
Він висловив співчуття родині після їхньої втрати.
Жалоба (Mourning)
This noun refers to the expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died, typically involving certain conventions such as wearing black clothes.
Жалоба триватиме протягом тижня.
Утішати (To console)
This verb is used when attempting to lessen the grief of someone.
Вона намагалася утішити свою подругу після втрати.
Співпереживати (To empathize)
This verb is used to describe the feeling that you understand and share another person’s experiences and emotions.
Ми співпереживаємо вам у вашому горі.
Співчуття в горі (Condolences in grief)
This phrase is a formal way to express your sympathy and sorrow for someone’s loss.
Ми висловлюємо вам наші співчуття в горі.
Поминки (Wake)
This noun refers to a ceremony associated with death, typically involving a meal after the funeral.
На поминках зібралося багато людей, щоб згадати покійного.
Вічна пам’ять (Eternal memory)
This phrase is often used in religious contexts to wish for eternal remembrance of the deceased.
Нехай буде вічна пам’ять вашому батькові.
Understanding these expressions can be crucial when interacting with Ukrainian speakers, especially in times of loss. It shows respect and cultural awareness, providing comfort and solidarity. Grief is a universal emotion, and being able to express condolences in Ukrainian can deeply touch the hearts of those who are mourning.




