michfr Posted April 23, 2007 at 02:18 AM Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 at 02:18 AM 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
againstwind Posted April 23, 2007 at 04:56 AM Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 at 04:56 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-F-J Posted April 30, 2007 at 07:46 PM Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 07:46 PM ~唵嘛呢叭咪吽~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michfr Posted April 30, 2007 at 08:43 PM Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 08:43 PM What is that in Pinyin and English? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-F-J Posted April 30, 2007 at 09:11 PM Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 09:11 PM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose~ Posted April 30, 2007 at 09:56 PM Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 09:56 PM I also asked this question and had some useful answers. Offering condolences From Skylee: 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: 请节哀，节哀顺便. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xiaocai Posted April 30, 2007 at 11:42 PM Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 11:42 PM From F-L-J: 唵嘛呢叭咪吽 You must be kidding... From rose~: 请节哀，节哀顺便. I think we usually write as 节哀顺变. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-F-J Posted April 30, 2007 at 11:47 PM Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 11:47 PM thats L F J. why kidding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xiaocai Posted April 30, 2007 at 11:55 PM Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 at 11:55 PM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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