French sympathy lines

Words are hard at a time like this. These are the French expressions people use, with what each one means and who it suits.

Keep it short and sincere, name the person we are remembering if we knew them, and write vous unless we are close family or very close friends.

Sending one on WhatsApp or by text? Add your first name so they know who it is from (optional).

Mes sincères condoléances.

Our sincere condolences.

Je vous présente mes plus sincères condoléances.

We offer you our deepest condolences.

Dictionary-attested formula (Académie, Larousse). Formal (vous): a colleague, a neighbour or a family we know less well. Checked in: Dictionnaire de l'Académie française (9e éd.), condoléance; Larousse, condoléances; Popcarte, modèles de texte de condoléances

Je partage votre peine.

We share your sorrow.

French card wording. A personal line (vous). For tu: « Je partage ta peine. ». Checked in: La Poste, message de condoléances; Interflora, message de condoléances

Je suis de tout cœur avec vous.

Our hearts are with you.

Dictionary-attested formula (Larousse) and card wording. For someone grieving, vous (or tu for family). Checked in: La Poste, message de condoléances; Interflora, message de condoléances; Larousse, cœur

Nos pensées vous accompagnent.

Our thoughts are with you.

French card wording. Good when we cannot be there in person (vous). Checked in: Interflora, message de condoléances; Popcarte, modèles de texte de condoléances

Vous pouvez compter sur mon soutien.

You can count on our support.

French card wording. A concrete offer of help to a close contact (vous); only write it if we mean it. Checked in: La Poste, message de condoléances; Interflora, message de condoléances

Qu'il repose en paix.

May he rest in peace.

Want toasts and sayings on paper? Here's the printable PDF pack, every line with its source.

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